Editor and dear Sir or Madam,
Regarding Russian interference in the election, I guess if Putin says that he didn't do it that's OK with Trump. If his cook did it, or maybe an oligarch or two; and Putin did not, that's OK too because Putin is still telling the truth. Well not quite, but "sort of" (vaguely).
However, "all" American intelligence agencies publicly reporting on the matter say that Russia interfered in the election. Why don't Trump and his Republican's believe them?
I would suggest that it is because Trump and his Republicans have all been tarred with the same brush. They have all been helped by the Russian interference.
Not wanting to admit that, Trump and his Republicans value their personal power positions and their ego's instead of, or more than, the nation at large; their responsibilities to the larger duties of their Office; as well as being good, faithful, loyal, patriotic, Trump-loving Republican Americans.
Who wants to stand up to the narcissistic, passive aggressive, compulsively lying, "gaslighting" bullying President of the United States of America?
If Trump "Himself" denies it, and we know how much he hates the truth, how could there possibly have been any collusion with the Russians to help Trump win the election?
Why can't the FBI and more than a few other Americans be manipulated and bullied into seeing that, or agreeing with that, too?
It seems a rather obviously treasonous conflict of self-interest.
40
I don't understand. The president can say the most salacious untruthful things imaginable with no impunity while everyone in his party looks the other way.... Yet a few emails that express a modicum of questionable character true to this presidents daily actions draws hell fire and stinging darts from a complicit party who demonstrate no moral equivalence to truth or justice. #SAD.
57
It is beyond amazing that Strzok believes that his personal feelings do not have an impact on his professional conduct.
8
If having a political opinion, or being appalled by unfolding criminal behavior in a campaign disqualifies you from law enforcement, what are we left with?
Strzok proved his impartial approach to his duty by not releasing the details of the trump campaign members enmeshed with Russians. This was pre-election when that information would have been devastating to the candidate.
The behavior of the GOP "Freedom Caucus" in that kangaroo court inquisition of Strzok indicates a new low has been reached in congressional conduct. The name "Kremlin Caucus" is far more appropriate.
78
How did Strzok's personal opinions affect the Mueller investigation?
Until one of the House Republicans can explain this to me, it seems as if they are desperately clutching at straws because they know their President is guilty.
And a similar question could be asked of the pro-Trump FBI agents that the House Republicans refuse to investigate:
How did their actions affect the election?
The pro-Trump FBI agents illegally leaked to Giuliani about Andrew Weiner's laptop.
The pro-Trump FBI agents knew of a hack on the DNC servers and instead of informing top officials at the DNC, they left a message on a subcontractor's IT Helpdesk voicemail.
When the Republicans can come up with any action by Strzok that is near as criminal as the behavior of the pro-Trump FBI agents who specifically acted to harm the Clinton campaign, they can have hearings.
But a private text expressing disgust for a Presidential candidate who attacked the grieving mother of a fallen American soldier? Because the Republicans can't find any ACTIONS taken that were designed to harm the Trump candidacy?
I'm disgusted with a news media that is letting the Republicans off. Where is the investigation into the pro-Trump FBI agents who left the Help Desk voicemail instead of investigating the DNC hack? Where is the investigation into the pro-Trump FBI agents leaking to Giuliani?
I don't care about the nasty anti-Hillary texts and e-mails they sent to friends. I care about their ACTIONS.
72
First impression of Strzok was that he looked like he could do with a good night's sleep or two.A guilty conscience will do that to you. But we saw American democracy on display, and I personally found it edifying, informative, and indicative of just how great a gift our Anglo Saxon forefathers bequeathed us, with the development of English common law, civil liberties and the judicial process. All members on the committee r to be commended for their mastery of Robert's Rules of Order as well. Believe that Strzok disgraced himself when he employed the word impeachment even before investigation had begun, and his e mails to his "petite amie" about Trump supporters smelling, as if we were the great unwashed, and that we were "ignorant hillbillies"parallels HRC's put down of us as a "basket of deplorables!"Now we know what the Left really thinks of us!Mueller has been so careless in his choice of collaborators in his investigation that 1 wonders if G0P has not been successful in its chipping away at his credibility. RM did not even quest Strzok's despicable e mails about us before he fired him from the team?",Maitre Mueller: Vous m'etonnez!"
8
The spectacle of yesterday's House Judiciary and Oversight Committee circus of groundless partisan venom was astonishing to behold. Defending his hero president Trump, Louie Gohmert had the gall to question Mr. Strzock's fidelity to his wife.
The ten-hour event was ugly. It was sad. It was stupid. And it shed no light whatsoever on the growing crisis of an unapologetically malevolent Russia using its willing Manchurian asset to undermine 250 years of American political history.
53
The GOP as a whole has devolved into spectacle without substance.
43
The Rs can't govern so they beat people up.
VOTE. VOTE. VOTE
49
Strzok testimony proves that numerous Trump associates were working with the Russians, it's why they had to investigate it in the first place. It proved that Mr. Strzok is an American patriot that's sniffed out Russian spies in the past, and likely would've helped do the same again if team Trump hadn't wrongly besmirched the man's character with this nonsensical text bull.
33
Why isn't this article making clear the obvious:
The bottom line is that there was no leaking to undermine Trump during the election by Mr. Strzok, despite his expressed disgust with Trump's attack on the parents of a fallen American soldier who died defending this country.
There was MASSIVE leaking to Rudy Giuliani and the Trump campaign by FBI agents who did not mind at all that Trump insulted the parents of a fallen American soldier because they felt Trump should be above normal behavior and win the Presidency and if they had to illegally leak to help him, they would do so.
The pro-Trump FBI agents took direct action to help Trump by leaking false information to Trump campaign surrogate Giuliani.
The FBI agents who were critical of Trump took absolutely no action to hurt his campaign.
And the corrupt Republican House says the FBI agent who obeyed the law in not leaking is worse than the pro-Trump FBI agents who broke the law to help Trump.
And the NY Times reports this as if it was a "he said she said", just as they did during the entire 2016 election. It is time for this newspaper to show some guts instead of cowardice.
41
Simple question: if the so-called "biased agents" had wanted to hurt candidate Trump, why didn't they leak the existence of the FBI investigation into Russian involvement with the campaign/ election? Simple answer: once again, the real witch hunt is being staged for public (aka "the base") consumption by the radical reactionaries who call themselves Republicans.
33
I watch a good part of the hearings. A positive was the the questions & comments by Democrats who were eloquent in putting this kangaroo court event into perspective, making cogent comments about the the investigations of Mr S. Some Dem House members ceded some of their time to Mr Strzok who make eloquent clarifying remarks. Repubs by contrast seemed to ignore the two investigations that concluded there was no evidence that his personal opinions and casual remarks, that should have been made in a personal email account avoiding this histrionic hearing, in any way affected the professional aspect his duties.
The "witch hunt defenders" turned this into a witch hunt on steroids and I'm happy the public had a chance to see the painfully partisan, unprofessional behavior of some of these congress people.
Another comment here was that parts of this hearing will be used a fuel in the contentious upcoming election in the fall. They will most likely be reduced to - sound bites - that most likely will conveniently ignore the larger context of questions and comments of the hearing.
I felt that Strozk held up pretty well to the badgering and demeaning behavior of the chairmen and others toward him. Most seemed tribally biased and often were shockingly (can we even be shocked any more?) unprofessional in attitude & skewing of facts. Many of them talked over Strzok who was cut off when he tried to address their vitriol when the chair let many to overrun their allotted time.
A CIRCUS!
25
The "spectacle" is the pathetic republicans trying to smear, slime, and obstruct an FBI agent for doing his job. This extremed partisan insanity has only one purpose to protect the trump crime cabal, not about finding the truth of the Russian hacking of our election. Sean Hannity (who speaks with trump daily on the phone) has already stated "He and Fox will be ready to attack when the results of Mueller's investigation are made public. Have you had enough yet of the crooks and criminals hiding in plain sight?
18
Republicans have made this hearing a shameful national disgrace - and now basically they are all supporting the Russian government and Putin in it’s attack on our country and democracy.
The GOP did put another notch in Putin’s belt, they are now actively colluding with the Russians to undermine the investigation and our national security.
In particular, the “congressman” from Texas was both vulgar and ignorant. A shameless performance by a political hack who clearly puts party before country Who elects these corrupt GOP “congressmen”? Come on America, we’re better than this.
20
America, here is your Republican Party in all its glory. It holds hearings worthy of the McCarthy era in which no tactic is too underhanded, no blow too low; where character assassination is standard operating procedure in the service of obscuring the truth. All of these are taken directly from the playbook of Roy Cohn, the architect of the McCarthy hearings and political mentor of the current president. What a shameful legacy he has left behind.
29
I can't wait till these folks graduate kindergarten! Think of how great they'll be when they grow up!
Gee, I just realized they are grown up :-(
6
THE GOPPERS GOT IT WRONG Again! It was TRUJMP who is always blatantly lying and exhibiting moral misconduct.
18
How dare Mr Gohmert lecture and harangue Strzok regarding infidelity when our “Aduteror in Chief” flaunts his many sexual discrepancies in everyone’s face and the Republicans consistently look the other way. Shameful hypocrisy!
47
The "spectacle" are the pathetic republicans trying to smear, obstruct, slime, and lie about Mr. Strzok. Such a horrible display of partisan insanity. Done only to protect and deflect the attention away from the trump cabal of criminals. Sean Hannity (who speaks with trump on the phone daily) has already said "Whatever Mueller finds, Fox will be ready to attack the results"....Had enough yet America?
22
The Republicans are accusing Peter Strzok of "having thoughts they don't like" ....is this any different than in the book 1984, and the "Thought Police"?!
Everyone is FREE to have an opinion, even FBI agents! They all do! Republicans are desperate to bring down the Mueller Investigation, they are willing to lie, cheat and resurrect Joe McCarthy tactics!
Pathetic.
30
Strzok was stupid to write those tweets and emails -
But - the House Republicans totally shamed themselves, yesterday - one after the other - each one of them - were defaming their own characters in allegiance to Trump as they maliciously for Trump's gain attacked Strzok - it was deeply sad and scary watching these supposed leaders of a Free Democracy - behave the way they did -- they have all totally let go of their integrity - let go of representing ALL AMERICAN PEOPLE - to be 'Cult Followers' of Trump -
I tried to call - Speaker Paul Ryan's office - but - the message said - unable to complete the call. Everyday - it is becoming more and more like what happened in Germany when people blindly followed that man whose name shall not be named.
I have dear friends and family who have also chosen to become 'Cult Followers' - Everyone who sees what is happening MUST VOTE these people out of office - Nov 6, 2018
27
The Senator from Texas who had the nerve to bring up Strzok's affair should speak with him offline, preferably in a deserted parking lot or an alley where it would be just him and the FBI agent. There, in the secluded location, he can question Strzok freely about such personal matters where nobody can hear them. I believe Strzok would welcome such a private conversation with the Senator.
9
Yours is one of the few sane voices posting here.
The usual defense of the left is something like "I did it but I didn't do it" as in Strzok's and Page's texts being biased in appearance but in reality not really biased......
Kind of like Strzok being fired from Mueller's team for bias but not really being biased....
Yeah right......
5
When this is all over this agent Strzok will find it difficult to find a job as a traffic guard for school children.
9
“Counsel, are you trying to show contempt for this court?”
“No, Your Honor, I’m trying to hide it.”
14
Bravo, Mr Strzok, sir, bravo! I wish we had more people like you in government.
Because I, for one, have had enough of the administration and its reckless incompetence.
19
Trump Baby Balloon; build one here and fly it across America. Follow Trump wherever he goes. Make it happen America. Trump Baby Balloon!
19
Devolution implies starting from a higher perch...
Just sayin'
1
Strzok seemed confused when Trey Gowdy asked him why he had not discussed impeaching Hillary Clinton. No wonder, impeaching someone no longer in office would be highly unusual. Did Trey Gowdy think this question would apaeal to a reasonable person?
15
I can think of no higher compliment than to be accused by a corrupt Congress of being anti-Trump. We should be giving Agent Strzok a commendation.
24
Watching the Republicans grill Strzok was painful. Yes, he has biases. Who doesn’t? Everyone has political opinions. His problem was that, for an intelligent career FBI agent, he stupidly expressed those opinions on FBI phones. But, the vehemence of the Republican Congressmen towards a sworn witness was reprehensible. Such an obvious attempt to cast dispersions on the Muller investigation.
11
"......... Hearing for F.B.I. Agent Devolves Into Spectacle". No, it id not devolve, it degenerated!
7
Last I heard, you were NOT required to give up your rights as a citizen when you work for law enforcement...
This crowd of nasty politicos made it apparent that the only evidence they seek must come from the Trump cult of low life criminals....They should be ashamed of the fact that they looked like a lynch mob and acted like one too.
Agent Strzok looked like the only patriot who seemed to care about what had happened with the Russians and how they impacted our country's future. He made his own share of mistakes, and guess what? Took responsibility for them. That used to be what was expected-now it looks worthy of a Medal for sheer guts.
Putin had a very good nine hours yesterday...All the Comrades lined up and did as they were told.
My stomach hurts a lot these days watching them destroy all the beauty of this system of governing. How are we supposed to respect these people whose anger and fear radiates like a beacon of powerful cancer eating up the cells of of our freedom???
14
I liked Peter Strzok before, but now I LOVE him!! What a titan! Love his style and perseverance.
Take note, Dem; , this is what we need in everyone NOW. Determination and a willingness to fight the corruption, right down to the core, no matter what.
GO PETER!!!!
p.s...trey gowdy needs an education, maybe.....
19
Mr. Mueller fired this guy for a reason -- and it is a pretty significant one. Every American - even one detested by many like Trump -- has the right to be treated with strict impartiality when investigated by powerful government entities like the FBI.
To make prejudicial remarks about someone you are investigating and to vow to "stop" that person -- whatever you now claim that meant -- is foolish, unprofessional and shocking behavior for an FBI agent.
He's a disgrace. It'll be too bad if we have to pay a generous pension to this arrogant failure.
8
He's a hero. The only thing I regret is that he didn't stop Trump. My family escaped Czarist tyranny and murderous Russian pogroms in 1909, and we're not going back. This Administration is a disgrace to America and anyone who cannot recognize the con man in the White House for the sociopathic, bloviating, infantile, malignant narcissist that he is has some serious perception and listening problems.
23
He didn’t do any of that
Had Strozk divulged the Trump investigation prior to the election then you might have a point but he didn’t and there is no there there
It was Hillary Clinton who was destroyed by the FBI and it is those agents that blabbed to Giuliani that should be investigated
20
Thank God for people like Peter Strzok, unafraid to tell the truth, loud and clear, about Russia.
17
The question about him lying to his wife by the the Texas congressman was clearly below the belt and deserved a below the belt response. If the congressman is asking Strzok about lying to his wife about cheating---has he asked his fearless leader DJT the same question? The difference is DJT lied to all three wives or maybe he didn't---maybe they were well aware of his relationship with commitment and the truth.
16
The only thing Mr. Strzok is guilty of is not keeping his opinion off his work communication tools, out of public view. It's as if, no one here has every expressed a contrary opinion about their own job or project while doing it.
And until every FBI agent's texts and emails are reviewed for derogatory comments related to Clinton (and trump for that matter) and made public, holding Mr. Strzok up to a double standard is theatre.
Do you expect candidate Kavanaugh to recuse himself from future cases on abortion, LGBT, or on a possible subpoena being issued to a sitting president after having made his opinions known on such matters? Can he be expected to impartially execute his role when issuing the "final word for generations to come?"
How many legislators called out Clinton or trump during the election? Mr. Goudy has made career of pursuing blind alley's attacking the character of Clinton to the tune of $16 million, and now he's attacking the FBI on one man's discovered texts and emails.
Let's simply make public all public employees work related emails and texts to level the playing field and see if all this hubris takes us across the bridge.
11
Gowdy and his Republican colleagues may not be on the Putin payroll, but their performance yesterday does raise the question. Regardless, they left little doubt that they are members of the Putin-Trump Party, once known as the Republican Party and the Party of Lincoln.
14
I agree:
"If being unbiased in that sense was a prerequisite for the job then we woudn't have an FBI."
Bias may affect which "leads" or avenues an investigator pursues but, in the end, most of us will pay attention only to "hard" evidence (if any) found by the investigator. If the investigator adds his own evidence-free speculation that the subject of his investigation is guilty, we'll give that speculation the weight it deserves: zero.
I'm not aware that Strzok ever found any evidence of Trump/Russia collusion OR speculated that collusion occurred. If he did either, Mueller hasn't reported it; that's all we know for sure at this point.
Many observers believe that Mueller's silence means he has gobs and gobs of "collusion" evidence that he'll reveal in some bombshell before the mid-term election. Other observers believe that Mueller's silence means he hasn't found any evidence of collusion. All we know for sure is that Mueller hasn't yet reported any evidence of collusion; we don't know what his silence means.
3
Trump doesn't care about facts. But millions of the rest of us Americans do.
Fact: The word "bias" is not wholly correct in characterizing Peter Strzok's assessment of Trump, and it is overused.
"Bias" may be applied Subjectively to describe Strzok's feelings about Trump. However, "bias" has NO basis in an Objective description of Trump.
For the fact is (proved daily by his actions), Trump is Unfit to be U.S. president. Repeat: This is a fact.
Like millions of other rationale Americans, Strzok knew this fact on election eve -- it's why he essentially wished (via text) that Trump's election could be "stop"[ped].
8
I’m 63 now, and never in my life have I seen the FBI (and CIA and DOJ) politicized to such an extent by the GOP. The 10 plus hours spent yesterday grilling Strzok was to make a political point. The IG’s report made clear there was no bias in the investigation of HRC, and I’m certain the IG will reach the same conclusion re: the Trump/Russia investigation.
It’s pretty sickening to me. These lawmakers certainly have other, much more important matters to tend to. Strzok and Page are no angels, none of us are, and they made some very big mistakes. I’m more questioning of their bad judgement in texting on government devices than I am of their intentions on the investigations. And as for their political views, well they’re entitled to those as we all are. But as public servants, they need to hold those views much more tightly. Either way, it doesn’t make them bad agents.
As for the GOP, it’s clear they’re going all in on Trump. To me, that’s a huge strategic mistake. Yes, Trump’s base won’t waver in their support for him, but that base still represents a minority of Americans.
Looking ahead, the Dems need to coalesce around a set of centrist principles to return them to favor among the electorate. No easy task, but they’re off to a good start. If that plays out to their advantage, they will, at a minimum, retake control of the House and help to keep Trump in check until he can be voted out in 2020.
10
I'd love to read some of the Congressmen's texts out of context. Agent Strzok came across to me as: articulate, informed, well-educated and passionate. The congressmen interrogating him came across as ignorant, self righteous and buffoonish.
I was PLEASED to know that such dedicated federal workers exist after they have been systematically bashed by the Right for 35 years, beginning with Ronald Reagan.
The agent presented himself well despite his careless texts. Bravo Agent Strzok--perhaps you could run for office?
18
As a native Texan, I am especially ashamed of Louie Gohmert, who has reached a new low, even for himself. Until now, his biggest claim to fame had been his 1996 ruling as a Texas state district judge that ordered an H.I.V. positive man, who was convicted on motor vehicle theft charges, to seek the written consent from all future sexual partners on a court provided form notifying them of his H.I.V. status.
Mr. Gohmert has again proven himself to have the intelligence and morals of a jackal. He is a disgrace to Texas and the Congress.
20
The Army-McCarthy trials are reborn as the FBI-GOP trials. Gowdy, Gohmert, Johnson and the rest of these treasonous representatives will go down in infamy just as Tailgunner Joe did. History will be unkind to this sorry lot. Not that it matters because they have already sold their souls to Trump, and by inference to Putin.
My deepest sympathies to Mr. Strzok whose brilliant and distinguished career in service to his country has been destroyed for partisan and treasonous ends. But in the end, Mr. Strzok and the FBI establishment created this monster, as that Democratic Congresswoman sternly rebuked him after giving him some of her time to respond to the Republican showboating. They interfered with our election just as much as the Russians did. They protected Trump at a crucial time when there was already considerable evidence for collusion with our enemies. What they are going through now is what the entire nation suffers through as we transform from an illegitimate Presidency into a banana republic. Even Mr. Mueller has failed to grasp the gravity of the situation while he seeks to cross all t’s and dot all i’s. Stop fiddling Mr. Mueller, as Rome has already been burnt down!
7
strzok spoke truth to partisanship and power. Bravo!
10
I think Strzok would agree that he was indiscreet, but few people (if any) would have put any weight on Strzok's speculations – and, frankly, I doubt Mueller would have cared to hear what Strzok's views are on the matter.
I'm not aware that Strzok either speculated or came up with any "hard" evidence of collusion. If he'd done either, I'd pay close attention to any "hard" evidence he came up with, and ignore entirely his speculations.
2
All members of Congress take an oath to "...defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies, both foreign and domestic."
How do these people consider hearings like this as being, in any way, consistent with that oath.
I despise them all.
13
This whole thing is about prejudicing potential jurors if the President gets to go before a Grand Jury. Or better yet, to toss out the Mueller investigation before it ever gets that far. It was a breathtaking display of incivility, witness intimidation, and double standards. As for the video clip of Gohmert's pronouncements ... words fail to convey the disgust I feel that he and his ilk are paid politicians supported by our hard-earned tax dollars. THIS is the quality of person that can get into elected office now.
Can't wait to show them what their words taste like in November.
13
It’s really not Mr. Strzok’s fault that a buffoon like Trump is so clearly utterly unqualified to be the POTUS.
If the FBI wants to have specific policies regarding texting and discipline, then by all means, they should do so.
Using Strzok’s casual observations about a presidential candidate as a cudgel to discredit not just an entire investigation involving hundreds of people, but an entire law enforcement agency as a whole is not only unjust, but also unpatriotic in the extreme.
Shame on how the republicans have denigrated the FBI to serve their sycophancy of Trump.
9
As a law enforcement officer his bias' have little bearing. Urban police officers become jaded regarding their job to protect those who hold them in contempt. Rural police officers view strangers with a marked grain of suspicion. It is the job of judges and juries to determine the guilt of those charged.
Somehow these sanctimonious tools have got it backwards; unbiased law enforcement and rubber stamp judges. Even the members chosen for this panel by the Republicans smacks of the reality TV contempt they have for justice and good governance. Gohmert, Gowdy and Goodlatte are the perfect trolls, representing their rabid base and not their constituency nor their best interest. It is obvious that it is their desire to eradicate anyone intelligent enough to realize that they are destroying the delicate balance of civility that allows democracy to flourish.
Shame on the voters that continue to put them in office.
11
In one sense he and Ms Page were fools for putting their sentiments in emails but in another sense he gave back to the Republicans what perhaps the Democrats should learn to do instead of them always sounding like wounded victims
9
Gowdy spat out the word "animus" with hatred and personal loathing in his voice and on his face. I suggest he fits the definition, not Strzok. All semblance of legislative investigative impartiality is long gone, perhaps forever.
12
Hillary did not loose last election. Trump did not win. Putin of Russia won last election by dividing the nation which divided his USSR through a single soldier: Trump. Can see clear evidence in raucous congress hearing of FBI agent. Let us stay united and do not allow the dictator Putin to win.
13
I give Mueller credit.
As the "polarized" comments here make clear, some people feel anything Strzok might have found probably would have been discounted because of his "bias." Others say (and I agree): "Look at what he finds, if anything, not his bias."
Mueller predicted, correctly, that that important distinction wouldn't be drawn by many Americans, and so he removed Strzok from the Trump/Russia investigation. I'm not aware that Strzok had found any evidence, or had speculated about collusion (or anything else) before he was removed.
If Strzok had come up with evidence that some Trump campaign official met with some Russian and that the Trump campaign and the Russian government thereafter coordinated their attacks on HRC, I'd consider that evidence very seriously, regardless of Strzok's bias. On the other hand, if Strzok simply speculated that "I know Trump colluded with the Russians; I can just feel it in my bones," I'd ignore Strzok's speculation.
In short, I can do my own speculating, but hard evidence is impossible to ignore, regardless of where it comes from. I'm not aware of any actual evidence found by Strzok (certainly none's been reported). Nor am I aware of any Strzok speculations. As best I can tell, he did his job for the short time he was assigned to it. Nothing more, nothing less.
5
I am curious as to who really is at the top of the control chain who is pulling the strings of these Republicans in congress and the Trump administration. I am fearful that a person or consortium of people are conspiring to not only put Trump in office but to keep him in office. They appear to be using these Republican congress people and the republican media machine, such as Fox News and all of the other republican Trump flag waivers as a front line battle machine to wage war on the integrity and democratic viability of this republic. Who really is pulling the control levers? I don't believe it is Trump, but rather people in much powerful positions who have a lot of money. This would explain the behavior of these Republican congress people who attack the government institutions, like the FBI, who might present a risk to Trump.
11
I think the major point here is overlooked. If Strzok or Page intended to actually harm Trump, all they had to do was leak the fact that his campaign was being investigated for ties to Russia.
James Colmey could've then held another press conference, and Congress, a hearing similar to the one re: Hillary Clinton's emails.
6
So if personal preference is not allowed then I guess we should dismiss everybody from Congress and the Senate and every other job. How can they do their work, do what’s right, if they’re biased? Obviously this is flawed thinking. Never was an issue in the past and never should be.
The report found no bias. His work at the FBI was done without bias for decades. The GOP cannot say the same. They are clearly working from a place of bias.
I won’t say the Dems are perfect. But some emails and texts can’t hold a candle to the real threat of Russian interference in our elections. Look at all was found - the indictments, etc. The GOP and our Pres are doing all they can to discredit our gov agencies, when they are the most disreputable of all.
11
Republicans in Congress deserve contempt. Through their actions and inactions they have betrayed their oaths of office, their congressional duties and responsibilities, the interests and well being of the people they claim to represent, and to past, present and future generations of Americans who worked together to build our country, its government, institutions, its legal system and system of Justice.
We look forward to the eventual Putin release of the embarrassing and possibly traitorous emails that he undoubtedly possesses of the RNC that his agents have hacked but never released. How else can you explain the behavior of Republicans?
9
This spectacle was arranged by the Republicans for a purpose, to discredit the Mueller investigation.
As for bias, we are all biased about all kinds of things, but for sure I want investigators of crimes to be biased in finding the truth that a crime was committed, not the other way around.
9
All this circus proved is that the FBI was investigating collusion between Trump and the Russians well before the actual election and Mueller was even involved. The question it raises Is why are the Republicans so incensed that the FBI was trying to protect this country? There is real basis here to delve into this question and find out what is really going on in the GOP.
12
But nobody was looking to Strzok for speculations:
"Mr. Strzok apparently can’t pass a polygraph test, cheats on and lies to his wife, yet we are supposed to suspend disbelief and believe his rabid anti-Trumpism played no role in his decision making process?"
Strzok wasn't asked to make any decisions. He was asked to look for evidence of collusion. If he'd come up with some, I'd be very interested in it, regardless of the source or the source's bias. If Strzok had tried to pass off some "non-evidence" as "evidence," or had blatantly speculated that Trump colluded with the Russians, his bias indeed would matter. But that has never been suggested. Strzok was removed from the investigation pretty early on, without either having found any evidence or speculated that Trump did something wrong. I think Mueller did the right thing, since even the perception of bias (much less actual bias) would have "tainted" any hard evidence that Strzok might later have found. Mueller was better off letting some other investigator find that hard evidence (assuming it exists -- Mueller hasn't reported any yet.)
1
If any Government official does not have his/her own opinion on issues of national interest, political opinion on issues that matters to the nation, then s/he is either an utter moron (political appointee) or a brain-dead, corrupt sycophant.
I'm proud of these FBI officials, including Peter Strzok, who have strong personal opinion about Trump. Otherwise I would have suspected that FBI recruit only idiots and opportunist cronies, and would not have any respect and trust on FBI. It's a very different issue to have personal opinion about certain political ideology, leader or policy than doing one's duty without much or any influence of those personal faith. Those govt officials are serving American constitution first and not any person or political or religious ideology. Moreover, trump was not the President when Mr Strzok expressed his opinion.
Tery Gowdy and those Trump supporting puppets in US Congress can go to the court to prove if FBI officials, like Peter Strzok, was biased against Trump.
I'm fully convinced that Trump is a morally and politically bankrupt narcissist person, who is only interested to make more money and get power to promote himself. He has absolutely interest in America or majority of its people, mainly the working class people.
9
You can have all the opinions you want about a person - so long as you are not the lead investigator into that person’s prosecution.
3
I feel that this person has no business in any position of authority in any capacity in any place in this country. I can SMELL his conflicted arrogance and his inflated sense of himself. If he was a simple police officer with his mean spirited thinking in any jurisdiction in this country with this attitude for fellow Americans he would be terminated immediately. He embarrasses me. I have never felt that the FBI was much more than a gestapo level of an organization after the Ruby Ridge affair and as most certainly seen in the Waco debacle. He is in my mind a mendacious, self-appointed savior, so very deluded and basically a bad person. To justify his language in the fashion he has about the office of the President, as well as against others striving for the office, is an insult to the US and it's citizens. I hope the Congress of the United States begins a thorough review of the FBI and gets it back to fighting crime and foreign espionage and intelligence intrusion instead of spending its time bad- mouthing Americans who are willing to try and be part of government. First deal with this idiot than deal with the FBI so it can regain a modicum of respect.
4
If he was any of the things you say then he would have leaked the Trump investigation prior to the election. But he didn’t, so your theory just doesn’t hold water. Respectfully.
9
Gohmert and Gowdy both channeling their inner Roland Freisler. A disgusting spectacle. I am ashamed to be an American.
12
Folks, wake up and listen. 116 days until November 6, 2018. Throw the bums out, all of them. The swamp is on Capitol Hill.
15
You know, there are days (most, actually) when I wish someone like Peter Strzok had the kind of power the Republicans keep trying to smear him with. If he did we wouldn't be stuck with the horrific mind-crime that is the Trump presidency! Moreover, the bias issue is a joke. I assume all FBI agents have bias because they all have political opinions. If being unbiased in that sense was a prerequisite for the job then we woudn't have an FBI.
8
The investigation should be centered around why Clinton's investigation was announced and Trump's was not. The bias at the FBI is how Clinton was destroyed while they were silent on Trump.
Trump being an asset an in league with foreign nationals is the most important investigation ever. It is going to ensnare the RNC, the NRA and all republican leadership. This is what we should be discussing every day. Much bigger than Watergate.
7
If this is not a clear case of bias, then bias has no meaning. This was very Clinton-like "depends upon the meaning of is". His handling of both investigations was a great disservice to the nation.
2
Hillary lost the election because of decisions made by the FBI. It is painfully comical to watch Republicans try to spin the entire agency as biased towards her based on the private opinions of one individual. They managed to keep a major counter intelligence investigation quiet. Lets not forget that. If they really wanted to take him down it would have been very easy to do so.
7
One substantial thing confirmed by the Strzok hearing is that Nellie Ohr, wife of DOJ team insider Bruce Ohr, had a prior working relationship with Glenn Simpson (Fusion GPS) and she was paid by Fusion thru the summer and fall of 2016.
Nellie Ohr is a subject matter expert on Russia, speaks Russian, and also is well versed on CIA operations. Interestingly, Nellie Ohr’s skills also included how to build or create counterintelligence frameworks to give the appearance of events that may be entirely fabricated.
5
Congress is no longer relevant under Trump. The attacks by GOP officers of Congress were politically motivated and nothing else. The GOP was malicious, inaccurate, and irresponsible.
8
I watch parts 1 and 2 of the hearings on C-SPAN yesterday. Mr. Strzok came off as the more believable and trustworthy American. Trey Gowdy, Goodlatte, and that piece of work Representative from Texas who called Mr. Strzok a liar really embarrassed themselves.
Trump has something very important things to hide: his financial ties to the Russians, his tax returns, his side deals with Saudi Arabia, and the Chinese. He is working full-time to enrich himself at the expense of the USA. The CIA and the FBI are only doing their jobs and following the U.S. Constitution while Trump is doing everything he can to get around, over, and under it.
10
Strzok stated his texts regarding stopping Trump were: "In response to 'horrible, disgusting' comments that then-candidate Trump made about the family of a fallen Muslim war hero." And he doesn't understand how that made him biased. He must not be too bright.
2
Your desperate attempt to discredit Peter Strzok says more about you than it says about him. Deplorable. It is refreshing, however, that the Republican Inquisitors appear to have bitten off more than they can chew. Strzok out-classed them, in every way possible. But it is really not all that difficult to out-class people who have no class to begin with.
7
Interesting comment. Does a sense of decency make one biased?
I think no, because 'bias' here means 'acting in an unfair or unprofessional manner,' and it seems that Strzok puts his GOP interlocutors to shame on that score.
7
How embarrassing for the Republicans, especially Gomer Pile and the living public warning for the dangers of inbreeding, Gowdy, that they got so worked up over a person having a negative image of the boob that is Trump. Any sane person worried about Trump becoming President and most of us had more, misguided, faith in the America voter ("we will stop him"). However, despite all the hyperbole they presented no facts (remember those things!) showing that Strzok acted to undermine Trump's bid for the White House. Had he actually wanted to do that he could have quite easily done so by leaking information about the investigation. Strzok was actually quite amazing and cam out the clear winner. Well done, sir!
11
Okay he had opinions - opinions shared by the majority of sane people concerned a egomaniac with no experience might become President - but just what facts can you present that he acted inappropriately in his FBI capacity? What did he do that you object to?
9
This was not a spectacle... This was a Travesty!
Register Today and Throw Them Out in November!
24
"The performance by Republicans, echoing Mr. Trump’s own lines of attack, demonstrated just how far many in the party have moved since the days when they were seen as the party of law enforcement, deferential to its power and prerogatives."
Query: is this an opinion piece or a "news" story?
And when, over the course of the past 100 years, have leftists ever considered Russia "a hostile foreign power"? BHO mocked Romney for labeling Russia a threat and promised "flexibility", without a peep of protest from the Dems.
The Dems were against the FBI before they were for it.
A simple questions to the partisans of the hard left: if, in your lawsuit, you became aware that the judge had written similar notes about you (or your adversary), would you be willing to let her sit on your case? If you were sitting on a jury, and heard the cops make statements like this about the defendant, wouldn't you be concerned?
And if you're among the representatives charged by the people to run the country, would YOU tolerate one of your employees refusing to answer your questions?
Truly, this isn't hard. A person with political opinions this strong should not have been anywhere near a political investigation, and should have recused himself without having to be kicked off.
If YOU, friends, wouldn't trust this man to investigate YOU, if he'd expressed such vehement opinions about YOU, what's so hard about admitting that an investigation in which he prominently figured is deeply flawed?
3
The Deep State, their Democratic Establishment collaborators, and their Liberal dupes are a far greater threat than Russia will ever be, and not only to this country but to all of humanity.
This consortium of the incompetent (Democrats), the deluded (Liberals), and the reckless (neocon/neoliberals) will not rest until they trigger a full-blown nuclear war with Russia.
The FBI, a key component of the bloated neo-fascist National Security State apparatus is clearly politically tainted. President Trump should clean house.
2
The country has gone insane. Ronald Reagan would lock up Trump and his conspirators for treason and crimes against humanity.
9
This looks like a replay of the Joseph McCarthy-led hearings in the 1950s. Only difference today is the the Republicans in Congress are now colluding with Russia (aka Putin) by attacking law enforcement operatives and trying to discredit a counter-intelligence agent who was trying to defend America against Russian meddling in U.S. affairs. Mr Gowdy and his stupid, ignorant colleagues in the House like Gohmert and Goodlatte are actually behaving in a treasonous way by undermining our government's counter-intelligence agencies. THEY should be tried for treason. Most of them are too stupid to even be aware of what they are doing. America is very bad shape when such ignorant fools can be elected to Congress?
7
From what has been published so far I suspect about 50% of the relevant information on this matter has made it to the public. There is more to be revealed. Decrying Russian oafish, amateurism meddling via Facebook and Twitter is childish on our behalf. Name one person you know who voted one way or another based on a Facebook or Twitter ad. The answer is none because we get our news from ABC, NBC, CNN and more. If Trump or Hillary garnered damaging information on one another from the Russians, Italians, Germans, National Enquirer, People Magazine or Motor Trend who cares ? Isn't this what opposing politicians do ? The DNC did exactly this with Fusion GPS. Crickets. If you are going to cite hysterical warnings about collusion then name the collusion(s) you have knowledge of otherwise shut up. Stroczk generalized that Trump voters are smelly, dirty, filthy Wal-Mart shoppers. Since that sort of opinion is approved by the NY Times commenters by their willful ignoring of these insults then let's have at it with some generalized opinions on Blacks, Jews and Asians. Where should we start ?The American people will watch this Stroczk hearing on TV and arrive at their conclusions.
2
It's a wonder that the words "moral misconduct " don't turn to ash in the mouths of Republicans.
16
"Representative Louie Gohmert, Republican of Texas, invoked Mr. Strzok’s extramarital affair with Ms. Page to question his character.
“I can’t help but wonder when I see you looking there with a little smirk, how many times did you look so innocent into your wife’s eye and lie to her?” he said."
Gohmert should ask Trump the same same question relative to his affairs with Stormy Daniel's and the Playboy model. Ask Trump about lying to Melania.
20
Peter Strzok is the patriot here; his Republican interrogators came across as traitors in the pay of Russia. Mueller should expand his investigation to include treason by the likes of Gowdy, Jordan, Gohmert and Goodlatte.
19
Please know the difference between Republicans & GOP hacks.
Those fools are the latter.
1
Why is it that the dolt-righties are A-OK with "bias" when it comes to eight or nine rabid Republican investigations of HRC, but unhinged at the notion of those with Democratic sympathies investigating rump and Russia?
13
"I have never allowed my bias to affect my investigations." ...Peter Strzok.
Peter Strzok missed Clinton's emails openly MARKED Classified and wanted to conclude the Clinton probe as early as May 10, 2016, before the ICIG (Intelligence Community Inspector General) caught the "mistake".
5
Strzok was biased, but most of us are.
I'd be wary of any Strzok findings that require an exercise of discretion. But most findings don't, and I'd pay close attention to any such findings by Strzok. (I'm not aware of any findings of either type; Strzok was removed from the "collusion" investigation pretty early, and Mueller hasn't reported his "collusion" findings, if any.)
If, for example, Strzok found that Trump, or some Trump campaign official, met with some Russian government official and coordinated their attacks on Hillary Clinton, I'd conclude that Strzok had presented evidence of collusion and I'd judge that evidence independently of Strzok's bias. On the other hand, if Strzok found only that Trump, or some Trump campaign official, met with some Russian (government official or not), and Strzok added his personal speculation that they talked about colluding, I'd ignore Strzok's speculation but pay attention to the fact of that meeting. In that example, I'd be curious to know whether there was some other evidence of collusion, such as apparently coordinated attacks on HRC shortly after the meeting.
In short, Strzok can be a great source of factual information, bias or no bias. I can do my own speculating. I've never heard that Strzok added his own speculations to whatever "hard" evidence he may have found. Of course, Mueller hasn't reported any such evidence yet, found by Strzok or anyone else; if and when Mueller does, we can judge its persuasiveness for ourselves.
First, an important point which Peter Strzok made forcefully, to the chagrin of his inquisitors -- one can have strong political views based on one's objective perception as events unfold, and still conduct an investigation by the book.
Second point. As many of us heard from Rachel Maddow last night (7/12), Peter Strzok was the head of the FBI's counterespionage division who oversaw a decade-long operation that broke a Russian spy ring operating under deep cover. These were not Embassy personnel who are assumed to be intelligence operatives, but Russian agents specially trained to blend into American life undetected, and cozy-up to individuals who are privy to sensitive information. Dare we suspect that Vladimir Putin has a grudge against Peter Strzok, and the Republicans who have sold their souls to Donald Trump are willingly working, through Trump, to assist Putin in his vendetta? Based on the political behavior we have seen from the Republicans since 2008, I would not only suspect as much, but reasonably presume it is the case.
Peter Strzok is intelligent, articulate, honest, and obviously does not wilt under pressure. Perhaps he, himself, should seek the Presidency.
12
The Republicans wanted an event that would uncover Strzok as a bad actor and shed doubt on Mueller's investigation about which they know little but the possibilities scare them. Strzok offered candid testimony but he did so with confidence and articulated his points exceedingly well. That was going in the opposite direction from what the Republicans expected, Strzok was looking like a professional who had a lapse of judgment rather than a person following his own agenda. That was bad for the Republicans, so they started to cut him off and to offer aggressive attacks on him to stop it. They did succeed but it uncovered how little they had considered the facts and their own case. They looked like the people with their own agendas rather than representatives of the people.
9
Mr. Strzok apparently can’t pass a polygraph test, cheats on and lies to his wife, yet we are supposed to suspend disbelief and believe his rabid anti-Trumpism played no role in his decision making process? People who subscribe to this theory are either willfully blind or hopelessly partisan. To make matters worse, Strzok is a terrible liar. History will not be kind to the Democratic congresspeople who tried every parliamentary trick in the book yesterday to protect him from having to answer questions truthfully.
4
Wow. As if Trump could pass a polygraph test - he’ll never testify under oath - and hasn’t cheated on and lied to all 3 of his wives.
6
Yesterday's display from the Republicans were as close to emulating Joe McCarthy as I've seen in my 70 years on this earth. I just heard an hour and a half of Malcolm Nance on public radio, and his new book, "The Plot to Hack Democracy," was on display during those hearings. His book, "The Plot to Hack America," demonstrated, BEFORE THE 2016 ELECTIONS, Russia's involvement in influencing presidential politics in this country, from the proliferation of bots on Facebook and Twitter to talking points that showed up via General Flynn at the Republican convention. Now, following this debacle yesterday, Trump is going to have a private meeting with Putin next week?
To commenters here accusing Strzok of the "institutional hubris of his former boss?" WHICH one? Which president was he emulating? Please be specific. To congressional representatives whose McCarthy-like behavior was showing: Have you no decency?
What have we become? Who will they come after next? Commenters on the NYT website?
3
"Blistering attacks by Republicans" ?
Surely Mr. Fandos is not referring to America's loss of Attorney General Sally Yates, FBI's inner circle of leaders, Peter Strzok and a sane secretary of Defense ?
Now America has Devin Nunez, Jim 'turn a blind eye" Jordan, Scott Pruitt, the NRA, and Trey Gowdy to defend the United States from countless Russian Intelligence spies.
No matter how little one might think of Trump, it was grossly obvious that Mr. Strzok was intensely anti-Trump and had been from the get go of the Trump investigation. He undermined the FBI and the investigation. Comey and McCabe made it worse. If the FBI had kept its nose out of politics, Hillary probably would have been President.
4
Everyone has a right to their personal opinion and DO have bias. We can all still do a good job looking at both sides of the story.
Trey Gowdy and the rest of the GOP is highly biased against ALL those investigating Rusia's interference because, eventually it will prove that the 2016 was illegitimate!
5
He was removed from that investigation some time back in believe in 2016. However I marvel at your ability to link one man's opinions to an action by an agency as large and I am sure which has oversight on every level as the FBI.
3
All sentient beings were anti-Trump.
And it’s “Secretary Clinton.” Thanks.
2
Strzok is a citizen like the rest of us. As citizens, it is out duty to have opinions about our elected officials. The idea that he cannot have his own opinions and communicate those opinions to his friends is nuts. Just because the GOP has completely translated their own bias into everything they do legislatively, they think everyone brings their bias to work.
9
Congress threatened Agent Strzok with contempt. Really? If you don’t have contempt for Congress, you clearly aren’t paying attention.
18
Watching the hearing reminded me of the show trials in Germany in the late thirties and early forties with Gowdy serving as this era's Roland Freisler. These are the tactics of a dictatorship.
13
If you are an expert in your field, it is natural to have an opinion on it. Here we have a counterterrorism FBI agent expressing concern about a presidential candidate to a colleague.
After that candidate's election, we see a president who is damaging, even threatening to abandon our strategic alliances, making enemies of our neighboring states, trashing the economy from the inside and out through a ludicrous trade war and skyrocketing debt, gutting our federal agencies, and working to destroy trust in journalists and law enforcement agencies, which are key to a working democracy.
Anyone who wanted to bring down the USA and discredit democratic government would be thrilled with the daily headlines. They might also be thrilled that it is being done by the party of Ronald Reagan. Mr. Trump - Put up that wall!
5
Sense when does free speech become criminal? Oh yeah, when Republican turncoats try to protect a possible traitor in our midst. Trump didn't want us to see his tax returns because he probably laundered Russian money like his campaign chair sitting in the can.
9
Peter Strzok is my new hero! Strong, confident, honest and not afraid of either the Republican machine or Trump both of which are out to get him.
11
I’d like to think that since the world overcame Hitler, McCarthyism, slavery (or did we?)... we could eventually defeat Trump and his GOP enablers/followers.
But then I look at the revival of totalitarianism throughout the world, see that Russia never really became a democracy, China not even close; I see how this moment is a culmination rather than just a blip, in spite of, and to spite, real social progress, and I wonder whether our country will survive this assault from within. For we can unite against common foes, but the Civil War never quite ended.
4
I'm appalled by Trump. He's a cheat and an adulterer. He's a liar and a fraudster. If Trump didn't conspire with the Kremlin to defraud the USA in such a way as to be convicted of the crime in a US federal criminal court, then he's come precious close to doing so since.
Let us not forget that Strzok is also a cheat and an adulterer. Anybody who commits adultery betrays the ones they love. Adultery rips apart the fabric of societies. Adultery creates mistrust. It sows discord. Adultery is a crime against community.
An adulterer who betrsys cruelly the trust of those he or she loves most is not to be trusted. Not under any circumstances.
Don't trust Trump. Don't trust Strzok. Don't trust Page.
None of them should be trusted.
2
Republicans always sink to personal attacks when there aren't any facts to back up their accusations. Good for Strozok for facing them down.
15
Peter Strzok is guilty because of his personal opinion about Trump. Welcome to 1984.
8
Seems like the majority of the country has the same bias.
3
This is just another day during which elected Republicans in Congress demonstrated that they are nasty, boorish, incompetent simpletons. I don’t understand why elected
Republicans hate our democratic republic so much. Elected Republicans would be better served by paying attention to unelected former Republicans like Steve Schmidt, George Will, Max Boot, and many others who find Trump’s amoral behavior abominable.
7
Representative Louie Gohmert is taking some heat for his statement: “I can’t help but wonder when I see you looking there with a little smirk, how many times did you look so innocent into your wife’s eye and lie to her?” Let’s give Rep. Gohmert a break.
Rep. Gohmert surely said the same basic thing about Trump on August 23, 2017, when he told the Dallas Morning News that "President Trump's speech in Arizona was a prime example of why he was elected: he calls it like he sees it. The American people respond to honesty." Gohmert then surely followed that adoring statement to the Dallas Morning News with some followup statements, such as: “But I just can’t help but wonder, when I see Trump looking out into the sky with that little smirk of his, how many times he looked innocently into his wife’s eyes and lied to her? Such as, when Trump took his mistress, Marla Maples, on a family vacation in Aspen along with his wife, Ivana, and attempted to hide her away until Marla approached Ivana and said, “I’m Marla and I love your husband. Do you?” The Dallas Morning News surely must have edited out that followup sentence for brevity’s sake, due to article length restrictions dictated by editors…
So, let’s cut Gohmert a little slack, OK?…..
2
The United States is now embroiled in another civil war. This time, it's Intelligence vs. Stupidity.
May it be that this war will not last nearly as long as the last.
11
Kind of proud of my FBI, truth be told.
I saw the best defense against the Trump White Nationalist Party, a truthful, powerful voice speaking the truth to hysterical advocates for evil, for that is what today's Republican Party is about.
And then there was Louis Gohmert. Says it all when it comes to the insanity that is Texas.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
10
I like the fire in the chamber because if Democrats take on Republicans in debates, Republicans will be shown, even more so, for the fools they are.
5
You are so right. We are in a war to defend American values and want them to fight as hard as they can to defend the constitution.
1
There was a moment during the hearing which did not make a lot of news because it came so late in the day, where one of the congressmen impugned Strzok's character, and failure to exemplify the standards expected of an FBI Agent; honesty, integrity, compassion, and ethics. (I'm paraphrasing to the best of my recollection, but I'm sure even the word "compassion" was used.)
I would advise the congressman to look to his GOP and to his president and ask if they exemplify those same qualities. Should our President and lawmakers be held to lower standards than an FBI Agent? While we all bemoan a loss of civility in our society, what sort of examples are they providing? From his testimony explaining his texts, this appears to be what Strzok feared most in the candidacy and possible election of Donald Trump, and here we have it.
18
Hmmm.... Suppose Strzok and even Mueller are biased against Trump? The Mueller investigation involves attacks on our institutions and attempts to use US citizens in such attacks. The evidence supporting any indictments or reports issued will be subjected to public scrutiny. Evidence is nonpartisan.
7
I have tried to keep an open mind about what the Mueller investigation will find, but with the show trial of Strzok yesterday and Giuliani's suggestion that it proved that all of Mueller's findings should be dismissed, it is becoming increasingly obvious that the entire Republican Party is engaged in a coordinated, pre-emptive defense of a president they suspect has engaged in "high crimes and misdemeanors."
Under those conditions it would be political malpractice, and a disservice to the country, for the Democrats not to try to delay the Kavanaugh appointment for as long as possible. It would be a travesty to rubber-stamp the Supreme Court pick of a president who may be soon revealed to have violated the letter of the law and the norms of political decency.
The irony is that it is the Republicans' own desperate efforts to smear anyone associated with the Mueller investigation that signals to us where it is likely to lead.
22
I would only argue with “coordinated.” These clowns couldn’t coordinate lunch.
2
What blows my mind is the "talking point" by Mark Meadows and the dentist (can't recall his name but he's the guy who claims to be an expert body language reader), and probably other Republicans, that the tweets would clearly eliminate the tweeter from jury duty.
He's an investigator, NOT a judge or jury. On what planet are investigators, detectives, police officers, FBI agents or ICE agents welcomed by defendants to sit on juries in cases they investigated? Of course Strzok had strong opinions, like every investigator is bound to have, but that's a far cry from providing an iota of evidence that he "doctored" any evidence.
11
History. History matters. This is how fascism and dictatorships take hold. The disenfranchisement and public shaming of persons who have different views that the powerful. Be aware, America, and be afraid.
24
A comment on Strzok's use of the word "Smell". I've heard for decades that a detective smell out clues, a facts, lies, etc... "Something doesn't smell right" is in many movies. It probably comes from the use of bloodhounds, which were, are, used by police and rescuers to track people. To bad Strzok didn't point that out. Many times we don't know why we use a word or phrase, we just use them.
7
Or, just perhaps, he used the word SMELL in a derogatory sense (pun intended..), like everyone believes he did. The guy clearly hates Trump and his supporters - there's a mountain of evidence to prove that - and should have recused himself from the investigation. To think otherwise is naive.
2
I thought research showed that law enforcement decisions are great impacted by even undetected, implicit biases! Officers can't help it, it is in their nature to have biases they don't even acknowledge! So how can we believe that a clearly stated bias had no impact in Mr. Strzok's decisions not to further investigate Ms. Clinton's obvious violations of standard written rules and to target Mr. Trump, whom he clearly despised.
3
Dear Donna Gray,
If he wanted to demonstrate bias for Hillary and nail Trump, then he would have leaked, reveal or outed the information he alluded to about Russian and Trump.
FBI already had that information at hand during the Hillary email incident, and Storck didn't disclose any of it.
So please get your facts straight before making allegations that are unfounded.
3
All those kangaroo republicans. Who could have predicted this?
Pop quiz. Who is worse for, and more destructive to, our country? Trump or Trump republicans? That's easy...Trump republicans are the reason Trump exists. Like a noxious weed they planted him, they cultivated him, they watch as he bears his poison fruit.
If they are allowed to succeed this country will not be worth living in.
I think a "Desert Storm" type card set should be manufactured for the republican party. They would sell like hot cakes. From Trump right down to minor players like Devin Nunes.
All party's who have been dealt with can be identified as "Captured, indicted, awaiting trial, resigned in disgrace, currently working for Fox news".
I think this particular "Go fund me" project would have no trouble with financing and would pay off for generations.
Anyone for a game of rummy? How about Texas hold 'em?
19
Great idea. Some problems though. The set should be called “Cards Against Humanity” but that name is already taken. Also, the card set would need to be extended quite often and already has far over 52 cards.
4
I am a biologist. I strive to be objective The decline and emergence of new species is a fascinating concept I like to ponder. The unquestioning conformity of thought I observe in most of these comments, sadly, gives me insight into at least one major factor that will eventually lead to our species' demise.
6
You can get the other side on Fox
3
Are you thinking the politics in South Carolina is a healthy, diverse ecosystem? The whole Congress is the equivalent of astroturf right now.
6
Let’s hear your objective viewpoints. Don’t hide behind your accusation.
2
It's a sorry state of affairs when someone averse to a president who lies, cheats, violates due process, is hell bent on destroying international networks and enriches himself and family at public expense--is accused of bias.
An aversion to evil is a bias? And prevention of evil is "politically motivated.? That certainly makes one political party the champion of evil.
23
Commie-crazy Senator Joe McCarthy suddenly goes by three alias: Gohmert, Goodlatte, and Gowdy.
22
Almost like cartoon characters, I found them to be like monsters. As frightening as they were sickening.
3
You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.
12
Wonderful display of the political theatrics of which Americans have grown weary. The next showing of the Gowdy & Goodlatte Show will feature a circus tent and a popcorn concession manned by Putin and Trump.
15
Gohmert and Gowdy embarrassed themselves to avoid opening up their investigation to what was relevant which could not support the case that they wanted to make. Both took on the appearance of alpha types trying to defeat a challenger when the witness simply answered with evident candor and explained himself without acting like a criminal caught red handed. I guess both forgot that the man was an experienced interrogator and they had lost whatever skills in interrogating that they had once possessed.
13
As I was reading this article, I actually saw an advertisement for a trump hotel in Waikiki....
So taking the logic from congressional republicans at yesterday's hearing I have to conclude that the NY Times reporting is biased in favor of republicans!
It is completely illogical to place so much importance on casual messages. Weather it's text messages or comments online, interpretation of short messages can easily be twisted by crafty politicians. If we go down this road then whatever party is in power can use any little message against people they don't like. And that my friends is... UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
6
Yesterday I watch Mr. Strzok defend the integrity of this nation. A true Profile in Courage moment.
35
Seems a bit delusional. You did watch the hearing, right?
Nonetheless, so his "Profile in Courage" was in defending his untenable position as a high-level FBI official or his notion that he and his fellows at the FBI could change the course of the election: "We'll stop him."?
2
Purposeful misreading of what actually happened
2
I believe there must have been many of us saying to each other."He can't win, can he?" Everyone has a right to an opinion. To turn this into anything more is a reach at best.
18
It was unfathomable.
5
I watched the entire hearing yesterday, something I haven't done since my mom and I watched the Army-McCarthy hearings over 60 years ago. Through it all, I found both parties' representatives fairly obnoxious, but heard things said by many Democrats about Mr. Trump (usually not having anything to do with the day's business) that would have the Times advocating their impeachment if they had been said by Republicans about Mr. Obama a few years back. Only Mr. Strzok came out of it looking well, not because he may not have been wrong and totally biased in his actions, but simply because he was the best-spoken and clearest-speaking person in the room 95% of the time. It reminded me a bit of Colonel Oliver North 30 years back, and that's no mean comparison. Anyway, I've been reading over and over about how the Democrats don't have a viable candidate to run in 2020. Maybe they should draft Mr. Strzok. Agree or disagree with him, he seemed more totally honest and intelligent in speech, aspect and demeanor than any Democrat now serving.
2
Pot meet kettle. The most politically biased administration ever accuses long standing civil servants of bias.
Could it be that highly biased people view those unsubservient to their views as 'biased'?
12
If Strzok had been for Trump there wouldn't have been a whisper of prejudicial comments by the Congress.
17
The question remains: Why do the Democrats in the House find it necessary to doggedly defend a man who brought such manifest dishonor and opprobrium to one of our most important institutions--FBI? His mistake was believing his own overwrought arrogance: "We'll stop him."?
5
Since you have so much faith in the institution, you must be all for the Mueller investigation. Right?
3
Those same words can be be said of the Republicans about Trump. Tsk, tsk,tsk...Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
1
Apparently, you have no knowledge of Peter Stryok’s background. He has been the best fighter against Russian aggression this country has ever seen. But perhaps that is one of the reasons Republicans are so eager to damage Strok’s reputation: When Strok does his job well, more and more of Trump’s Russian ties come to light.
4
GOP/Trump exposed as the Russian subjects they are. Destroying the FBI is right up there on Russia's wish list; along with destroying NATO and dividing America. Vote out GOP for any hope of saving Democracy in America. Ray Sipe
16
Peter Strzok withstood everything the republican members threw at him. He showed a greater respect for government and the U.S. than his inquisitors. No surprise to see Trey Gowdy front and center although he did look tired and unprepared for the responses he received. Probably still worn out from his multiple committee investigations of Hillary Clinton's actions in Benghazi.
It was very clear that the republican attacks say more about their public agenda than Peter Strzok private opinion.
36
This country is a mess. This hearing is the worst I have ever seen. Unacceptable.
The only antidote for this extreme low level stupidity (looking at you Louie Gohmert!) in government is to get out on the street and make your voice heard, VOTE this November and VOTE AGAIN in 2020, to remove Trump and these gerrymandered Republican idiots out of DC.
26
Anyone who has any doubts as to the fundamentally demented and unhinged character of Gohmert need only Google a video of him (with King of Iowa) railing about transgenders in the military. It's disturbing. We have morons at the helm.
22
I don't think there is a single Dumber Human Being than Louis Gohmert, it looks it and talks and is it.
It's scary to think that someone would actually vote for a Dimwit like him.
I'm thinking Vladimir Putin is sitting back with a bunch of psychics performing Jedi Mind Tricks on that Dimwit.
17
Gomert, Issa, Gowdy: a shameful bunch of schoolyard bullies; a bunch of cowardly loudmouths on a par with Joe McCarthy.
21
The gross spectacle of the Republicans is beyond imaginable. You have sold your souls to the devil and our country will pay dearly for your complicity. What a disgusting group who are supposedly working for the people of this country in upholding our democracy. Traitors!
25
This smug, loser should (and probably will) be thrown in prison. Just the look on his face is enough.
This is a job, not a place to grandstand your personal politics.
Enjoy your roasting.
3
What would he go to prison for? Having an opinion?
He hasn’t lost his job, been demoted, and isn’t charged with anything, nor will he be.
You need a new fantasy.
12
If you mean Trump, then YES!
2
What on earth would he be imprisoned for? We here in the USA are (for the time being, anyway) still allowed to have thoughts, opinions and free expression.
Perhaps those who think we oughtn't -- on pain of jailing -- might be more comfortable migrating to Russia or North Korea.
5
Maybe Donald Trump should state the following: “I am making the 1000-year America’s Great period”. And, he would be correct. After watching part of the Peter Strzok investigation, it became clear that the Republicans on the committee were very similar to the judges in Germany starting around 1936 and continuing through their greatly shorted 1000-year Reich. Representative Trey Gowdy of South Carolina looked and acted just like he was a Nazi appointed judge. If you do not believe me watch him in action. However, of far greater importance is the fact that the average American must take a step back and attempt to make a personal assessment of our time. We are failing and fast. Economically we are borrowing the money which is inflating our economy. Look at the growth of our national debt. Culturally we are moving to prohibit social change in our society as the right wing not only wants to eliminate immigrants from a different society they also want to reverse a women’s right to her own body. Militarily, the Republicans do not want to reduce war time activities but want to spend more on a killing machine which is by far the largest in the history of this world. Again, take a step back and study the history of the Nazi regime and you will see that we are a lot closer than you dare to think. Hopefully the Trump dynasty does not go more than 4 years for if it does it will be too late for all of us!
7
Defending the Federal Bureau of Instigation and encouraging illegal border crossings is a new gig for loser Democrats. Best 'o luck!
5
The repubs will stop at nothing to protect the idiot in chief. What a bunch of cowards. The man is decimating healthcare, the environment and the empty suited blowhards have nothing better to do than attack this man.
What a detestable despicable bunch of losers.
20
You should turn in your gun and badge. You are not FBI.
5
Republican congress; duplicitous cowards!
19
I'm "retired," so had the time to watch nearly all of this farce.
It was theater of the absurd. Many of the aggressive attacks by the GOP representatives were actually somewhat factual, as Strzok's text messages provided ample fodder for their grandstanding. And Hillary's emails! We cannot forget Hillary's emails!
But the whole damn circus was like watching faux-earnest men in suits attacking a police officer's testimony in a murder case by pointing out that he had not paid a parking ticket. Meanwhile, the bloody corpse (America) remained unnoticed on the House floor.
I have never been so ashamed of my country.
20
Stealing an idea from our British friends: could we get an airborne balloon of a diapered baby having a temper tantrum and fly it over the House of Representatives?
10
It was the House Congressional Republicans staged "spectacle" of Christians v. lions [Hint:they weren't the Christians, but they did roar in agony a lot]. The real Christian stood up for "law and order" and slew the autocratic enablers looking for more sacrificial political blood in their attempt to defend the president instead of the Constitution and bloody its "rule of law" that is our only defense against autocracy. For all his personal failings, we witnessed for once a dedicated and honest public servant and public defender who "Strzok" a blow for democracy.
7
"Representative Louie Gohmert, Republican of Texas, invoked Mr. Strzok’s extramarital affair with Ms. Page to question his character.
'I can’t help but wonder when I see you looking there with a little smirk, how many times did you look so innocent into your wife’s eye and lie to her?' he said."
This has got to be one of the most hypocritical, laughable remarks made in Congress this year.
13
While watching this disgusting Republican Spectacle the same question kept arising in my mind:
At what point do we call these Republican "representatives" exactly what they are?
Traitors.
12
It was very, very clear, that Strzok, was much smarter and more patriotic, then any of the Republicans. Jordan and Gohmert, came off as ignorant!
14
"Mr. Strzok had to weather hours of blistering attacks by Republicans, who accused him not only of personal animus toward President Trump but also of blatant lying and moral misconduct."
meanwhile back in REALITY - the person guilty of blatant lying, personal animus and moral misconduct IS DJT.
so why isn't djt the person on the hot seat getting grilled by this committee?
8
One competent, intelligent, and principled individual appeared to be present for this hearing. The fact that said individual was the guy testifying about cheating on his wife, speaks volumes about how silly, unhinged, and immoral our members of Congress have become. Time for a new Republican Party to be formed which is independent of the Trump/Ryan/McConnell GOP.
8
He was better prepared to give substantive answers than the Republican Representatives to make appropriate questions. And he showed character and seriousness well above what is seen nowadays in most of the WH staff.
6
The Republicans have no issues about FBI agents who are pro-Trump investigating Trump, the Republicans or Hillary Clinton.
In fact, if you flagrantly leak to the Republicans and Trump's campaign for the sole purpose of helping Trump win an election, Gowdy will cheer you on. Just don't you dare text anything critical Donald Trump smears the parents of an American war hero who died defending this country.
Rep. Gowdy says that it is "bias" if you are disgusted when Trump attacks the grieving parents of an American hero who died defending this country. But Gowdy says it is patriotism if you are an FBI agent who helps Rudy Giuliani destroy Hillary Clinton with lies.
In other words, Gowdy is delighted with ACTIONS helps Trump. But if you say any words expressing disgust when Trump attacks the grieving parents of an American hero who died defending this country, then Gowdy says you belong in jail. Shame on the entire Republican Party.
Anyone who votes for any Republican is complicit to the haters of American heroes.
6
This hearing has violated the fundamentals of the First Amendment. Reading the personal texts of an officer is downright Orwellian. Big Brother is alive and well with the GOP.
9
In these turbulent times, how reassuring to know that there is a constant, a foundation of which we can be sure: the Republican predilection for hypocrisy.
6
G!d forbid if Congress actually spends time working on solutions to our real problems.
12
Maybe the Dems could figure out a way to win the House. They then could set the agenda. Moaning about the Republicans is not going to accomplish anything.
1
Republicans are missing the point. While they are doing this ridiculous pandering to Sean Hannity style pundits to keep their seats, you better believe our enemies have delved deeper into our election computers and other social media in yet more insidious and clever ways. It's a ship of fools, and if we don't sink it during midterms, they may take us all down. Please do all you can to get out the vote!
15
I try to imagine what sense of patriotism leads some of these Republicans to serve as they do. Do they imagine that deregulating businesses and banks will create more general wealth when history shows us the wealth ALWAYS moves upward to fewer and fewer when unchecked? Do they believe removing protections in environmental, social, and health care issues will be good for those areas when it’s even now obvious the general population will suffer while that ever-contracting elite group will benefit financially? Are they so removed from history that they can’t see how creating an insular, disconnected, all-powerful class only results in abuse, neglect, extreme poverty and, eventually, reprisal? Is it ignorance of or ignoring history that gives these Republicans a sense of mission?
If they truly believe we have progressed too fast and too far, would it not make more sense to slow or even step back a bit that progress rather than wipe it out entirely? (I believe they used to refer to this as throwing the baby out with the bath water.)
Or maybe it really is just maniacal greed.
3
It is really had to find a parallel for the atrocious behavior of the Republicans on this committee.
HUAC (House Un-American Activities Committee)?
Soviet show trials?
10
The rigged nomination of Hillary who couldn’t have won it without the 500 superdelegates. The entire convention was a travesty.
1
In Congress, they have all taken that Russian/cia money. That’s why they’re screaming bloody murder about the mueller probe. They’re scared.
The whole US government is corrupt. We are no more than a satellite of Putin’s Russia and the hacking of the 2016 election was not the beginning; it was the crowning jewel, made possible by the cowardice of the democrats under that spineless dog Obama.
Every American brought home from Iran in 2016 had to say it: we know the government loves us Americans. They care. They had to dispel what was widely known, especially by the Russians and Iranians. The government, Obama’s administration and Congress had sold out the American people.
The truth will come out. Obama thinks mere popularity will insulAte him, but he’s wrong. Many people know and are disgusted. He was only concerned about his legacy. The American people were expendable. They were dross, deplorables, to him and Clinton. The power made them invincible.
Now they have to go to see prison.
1
Shame, Shame, and more shame on the GOP inquirers, no need to name separate demons, they all appear to fit the bill of The Donald (King Donald's) defense as they attempt to shut down a true justice panel assembled to investigate Trumps conspiracy (different than collusion) with Russia to use internet and other evil compartments to glorify Trump. Who needed to do that with his now statement of being the most well liked World leader as he put it.
Shame on our gov for allowing this, and causing our deceased Vets to roll over in their gravesites. Dark is America!
9
This whole thing seems ridiculous to me. Can you government folks do something useful for a change?
2
Trey Gowdy's behavior was despicable, and I intend to call his office tomorrow and tell him so. Shame on him. Badgering Mr. Strzok about his PRE-election comments about then-candidate Trump - that's exactly what Henry VII tried to do after his French mercenaries butchered Richard III - by dating his reign BEFORE the Battle of Bosworth, thus declaring that the loyal soldiers who fought to defend the King were "traitors" and should be killed. What?? Have we not learned anything since the 15th century??
8
Here’s the hypocrisy:
Strzok couldn’t possible be biased even tho he’s written that he would use his office to interfere in a democratic election.
Kavanaugh must be biased even tho he’s written only that he would uphold the Constitution independent independent of any personal bias.
1
But Strzok didn’t—unless he interfered on behalf of Trump, the “winner” where does that take your argument?
4
What is wrong with Democrats and defenders of Strzok? My god, this man was clearly prejudiced and should have recused himself for both investigations. He had an end in mind, that is why he wrote the Hilary exoneration letter months before Comey’s public statement. That is why he started the Russian Collusion investigation based a false, opposition-sourced dossier. He is a smug, hypocritical and self-righteous partisan who has corrupted the FBI and divided the nation. His defenders should be ashamed or have use this moment as an epiphany that their Trump derangement has corrupted their ability to accept basic reality.
3
Bravo, Mr. Strozk, for staying tough,not backing down from these thugs who are nothing but scared sycophants looking out for their own interests..
8
What this showcased is not the deep partisan divide – it showcased the blatant disregard for civility Republicans have embraced, probably starting with McConnell who refused to even discuss Mr Garland’s nomination to the Supreme Court.
All previously held norms went out the window.
Those norms have now simply disappeared, thanks to Republicans.
Exhibit nth – our disgraceful CIC assailing the British prime Minister while being a guest in her country?
The ugly American raises its ugly head again!
Thanks Republicans.
7
I’d like to see the text messages of Jim Jordan, Goodlatte, and Gaetz. No, on the other hand, I wouldn’t.
14
America, you have a new hero. Finally, we have someone who knows how to articulate the core wrongs of these Republicans' warped, corrupt claims about the FBI, the "deep state" and the Mueller investigation. Someone who knows how to speak out against the political absurdities and fevered rantings. Someone who can pick the lock to the safe room in which these GOP cowards hide while free to trumpet every self-serving lie they can concoct. Strzok is the little boy who shouts, "Look! The king is naked. The king is wearing no clothes." No clothes at all.
8
Bias is hard to prove but at least be professional about your job.
50,000 texts? This guy texts more then my teenage daughter.
1
I watched Rep. Elijah Cummings present a compelling case (with Posters) demonstrating the "guilty pleas" of Trump cohorts; never once raising his voice.
I then watched Trey Gowdy engage in cursing Mr Strzok, and the others on the Republican side ( I will not bother to name them) debase themselves, Congress and America by performing like they were brawling in the proverbial gutter.
I read various comments online; it was apparent that one part of America hooted & hollered like this was a sporting event; and the other America shook our heads in shame.
That it took so little (Trump's election) to reveal the vileness of a huge portion of Americans, is a lesson we should never forget.
10
The only cure to this deepening disaster is to recall and vote out Republicans in both the House and the Senate. They have sunken below being merely hypocritical, deplorable, and despicable. Campaign ads in every state that one of these Republicans sit on should simply juxtapose their incumbent's disgraceful attacks with Mr. Strzok's comments on the recklessness of demonizing the FBI and weakening US intelligence agencies' abilities to protect us from formidable and hostile nations.
7
The spectacle has always been Trey Gowdy and his Republican committee. Thank heavens he will leave the Congress at the end of this term.
11
Either Trump and /or his campaign and/or Russian operatives committed a crime or crimes to influence the outcome of the US 2016 election or not.
Neither Strzok's, mine or your opinion of Trump can conjure up evidence that doesn't exist. Or kill evidence that exists and is being gathered by Mueller.....unless of course you are a Congressional Republican.
They are the ones who aren't trusting the burden of proof that has to met by prosecuters. Yet again, they act like kept men and women.
7
I wonder, if you believe agent Strzok was biased with respect to Trump, and that the FBI (not known for love of liberals, historically) plots a “deep state” take down of Trump, what would this suggest? What does the FBI know that the rest of us don’t? Why the rabid antipathy for Trump among the FBI hierarchy, and rank and file? Motivation?
3
I trust any FBI agent more than POTUS or the US Senate. This senate needs to get enact the 25th amendment with Trump.
4
The GOP is either wittingly or unwittingly serving two masters, Trump and Putin. I witnessed a constant stream of conservative hypocrisy that peaked with the affair statements. Ironically Trump must be labeled "liar extraordinaire" if extramarital affairs are to be significant.
14
This is about subverting justice, clearly. Should it be true that Trump's campaign conspired with Russia, then they all should be held up as traitors to the people of the United States.
9
Strzok put his credibility on a platter for the GOP and he's paying the price. But let us not forget Trump's own reprehensible marital behavior, behavior that goes back decades, efforts to hide said behavior having resulted in his spending some many, many thousands of dollars. Cheating on one's spouse is abhorrent. But as The Holy Bible says, "“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”
How many truck-loads of stones has Trump cast. It rains stones wherever Trump roams, including, as The NYT reports today, The Prime Minister of our longest and most loyal ally: Great Britain.
There is nothing but mud here, but it is mud that Trump has hurled since his earliest business deals and attempts to gain public notoriety.
“Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last?," said another Trumpian monster weaned on lies by his fellow Republicans in years passed, "Have you left no sense of decency? Senator McCarthy?
They both crawled into the light from beneath the same slimy stone.
1
Remember, remember, the 6th of November!
Get Out The Vote!
11
I think the point about Strzok's integrity at home, while ugly to bring up, is very relevant. Perhaps Strzok's wife was OK with his extramarital affair, i.e. an "open" marriage and there was no lying and hiding, and Strzok did not offer up that exculpatory bit of information because the non-progressive Republicans wouldn't accept or respect that. Or perhaps Strzok did in fact break an oath to his wife and family and look her in the eye and lie to her about multitudes of things. Most Americans would believe the latter, and also would deduce that if one is willing to lie in this way to one's spouse, one would be quite willing and capable to compromise integrity at work and lie about it under oath.
Strzok's marital infidelity isn't far in the past and thereby possibly recovered from...it is contemporaneous with the other issues of integrity being questioned. Strzok and his supporters ask us to accept that one hand is dirty and the other clean, and indignant that this isn't immediately accepted.
1
The GOP is the tea party of Trump.
Are the Republicans in Congress following Jordon down a cliff?
What has happened to this Republican Congress?
They don't seem to be interested in facts or the truth,
and only seems to play to the Fox/RT agenda of lies and deceptions.
Don't they realize the truth that in the November 2018 elections many, many Republicans will be fired by the voters of America, who are fed-up with lies.
70% of America are against Trump and the Republicans.
The GOP 25% so called base is not going to change the truth that America and the world are not going to be held hostage to silly out of date prejudices and white nationalist biases of white supremacy.
5
A demonstrated use of good minds perverted, and being used to support and protect this destructive incapable president. Republicans are not doing their jobs, protecting and serving the country. Rather they are protecting their special point of view, this man and their party above the best interests of our nation. Akin to McCarthy, and Nixon, they will be remembered for this perversion alone.
8
I keep waiting for America’s Edward Murrow moment.
2
Loved the video clip. Strzok probably isn't interested in politics and isn't a viable candidate (not yet enough affairs or allegations of sexual abuse to be a qualified contender) but the political center and left need people with his intellect and verbal skills in congress who can competently counter the relentless propaganda on the right by expressing passionate support for their principles including equal justice under the law. I'm the age of democratic congressional leaders, but unlike them I had the good sense to retire a decade ago. Please step aside Nancy and Chuck and their age mates. The country desperately needs younger and more articulate leaders who, at least in regard to their intellect and verbal skills, are like Peter.
11
Clearly biased. Nearly hysterical about it. End of story.
Only difference between Strzok and J. Edgar is that one is left and the other was right. Both show the FBI for what it always has been -- a national police force, not to be trusted. Who knows how many innocent people they've railroaded, or at least tried to? Whether or not Strzok likes to dress up in garter belts and stockings, like J. Edgar, I have no idea. Page would know -- maybe.
2
If it’s “the end of the story,” why did you keep writing?
And a career FBI agent is “left?” I have to admit that I snorted unbecomingly at that one.
4
Stroke is a patriot.
More than I can say about the traitorous GOP, which is enabling Trump to do Putin's bidding at every turn.
5
Again, Republicans more worried about people's personal lives and consensual adult relationships, than a rogue state (Russia) attacking America.
5
Texas Republican Representative Louie Gohmert, Republican of Texas, provided yet another example of the hypocrisy of his party when he asked Mr Strzok "how many times did you look so innocent into your wife’s eye and lie to her?” Has Mr. Gohmert ever asked this same question of Mr. Trump, a man who we know has been guilty of serial infidelity with his many extra-marital affairs?
5
How much Russian money, direct or indirect, went into Gowdy's campaign coffers? Because that is exactly what went thru my mind with his Russian style grilling of Strzok, an FBI counterintelligence agent protecting our nation.
6
What everyone is failing to mention is that this sorry spectacle will only serve to diminish the number of qualified and honorable men and women who will want to enter government service.
The only ones who will seek to enter government service will be those crass and classless enough to think that government is like an Old West style shooting mayhem. Or worse, like being part of an organized crime syndicate.
To my eyes it was like watching a bunch of hit men and capos trying to defend their Mafia Boss from a competing criminal syndicate.
5
Dear fellow Americans: remember November.
13
Republicans are outraged by Strzok's affair but not bothered by Trump's three marriages, serial philandering, and strong sexual attraction to his own daughter.
Evangelical hypocrisy at its finest.
15
I know I'm speaking only for myself, but it felt so good to hear Agent Strzok telling off that bunch of know-it-alls also known as Republicans which encompasses Conservatives and POTUS. Everyone else seems to be afraid of their own shadow. Sleep well tonight Mr. Strzok, you earned it.
26
I am struck once again by the sheer stupidity of people who write compromising emails. From sexting, to expressing very strong political bias during an investigation into an election, people just seem to lose all discretion and common sense when they communicate these days. It’s not private, it’s not secure, if you don’t want to see it published don’t put it out there in writing!
3
I applaud this loyal patriotic FBI agent. Particularly bringing up the shameful way Trump treated parents of dead soldier. He should have questioned how many of the republicans were faithful to their wives. That would have shut them up. Hey they could have just asked Trump how he looked into all his wives eyes as he cheated on them. He had lots of experience with that. Do not believe these GOP liars anymore than their leader.
6
Bian from Arizona needs to
(1) refer us to pages and paragraphs in the IG's report that lead him to his delusion that the report showed Mr Strzok as biased, and
(2) tell us specifically what about Mr Strzok's he finds biased
9
Circus? ....Try freak show! With arguably the biggest and baddest one of all, Louis Gohmert. Under other circumstances, the arrogant tone in his questioning Storzos, would have earned him a well-deserved haymaker.
4
Strzok describes himself as someone “who loves this country and cherishes its ideals.” It sure doesn’t sound like it when he texted he could “SMELL the Trump support” at a Walmart in Southern Virginia or referred to the people in Loudoun County in Northern Virginia as “ ignorant hillbillies.” His explanations were even more ridiculous. Supposedly he was so struck by how different Southern Virginia was from Northern Virginia just traveling 100, 150 miles. Aw, shucks! He sounds like a rube himself. We also didn’t know what a civic booster he was in his appreciation for the “healthy sort of competition” that existed between Alexandria and Loudoun counties. It’s all so folksy, but one wonders what competition there could be between a local county and the suburban enclaves of one of the biggest government bureaucracies in the world. Could there maybe be a melon competition? Strzok would certainly win a medal for the biggest pumpkin in the world when he described himself as “someone who loves this country and cherishes its ideals.” But I think Gohmert had it right: “I can’t help but wonder when I see you looking there with a little smirk, how many times did you look so innocent into your wife’s eye and lie to her?” Strzok never answered the question. The Democrats on the panel howled with canned outrage, but Gohmert had hit the nail on the head. Everything about Strzok is a lie. He portrays himself as a great patriot but in the end he came across as a cornered little dog.
1
I'd like to see the emails of each and every Republican lawmaker who harassed Strzok. You don't think they disparaged Hilary Clinton in their emails? And yet these same guys went on to hold hearings on Benghazi.
The greatest hypocrisy of all was accusing Strzok of bias while one by one they each asked him prejudicial questions. And when Strzok answered soberly and convincingly, his answered were ignored while they grandstanded. Why? Republicans lawmakers are biased against him.
It was a pathetic spectacle. Made me ashamed to be an American. With these biased, angry clowns responsible for our country, we are doomed.
10
“Another victory notch in Putin’s belt.”
What else is there to say?
Historians will one day say that it was the GOP who handed the country over to Russia. A country with an economy no larger than Italy’s but a parasitic lust for all that the USA was.
6
Trump has succeeded in creating the, Divided State of America!
9
What an embarrassing display from both Dems, Reps, and Strzok. You know what he's guilty of? Bad judgement. He was trying to impress his girlfriend and really doesn't have an explanation for it. And everyone pounced.
Mueller needs to hurry.
6
There's nothing to "walk back". He is a US citizen and has the right to express his opinion. Using the company device? Not a good idea, but then, isn't it common these days?
I am sending this out on a company device. Forgive me, but I ain't walking this back.
5
Who the heck needs an explanation for "trying to impress [a] girlfriend" from you or anyone? Is this a new relationship rule? One must be prepared to explain to others one's off the cuff comments to a girlfriend?
Everyone pounced? Everyone? whatever.
2
We are moving to an authoritanian state aided by those who have no respect for democracy. History is litered by countries that had their elected representatives actively support this move. I fear we are joining this trash pile. Once there, it takes a massive upheaval to try to regain what was lost.
9
Strzok did very regrettable things. But I believe he performed his duties admirably. On the other hand the republicans have proven how pathetic they are. No one should be defending trump against anyone or any charge. trump is not a president by any stretch of the definition. Strzok is owed an apology by every republican who tried to drag him through the mud. trump is president in part because Strzok did his job and kept the Russian investigation quiet. I am disgusted by anyone who works for trump or defends any of trump’s action. Thank you Mr. Strzok for your service. I regret your emails, but I accept that you did your job honorably.
2
I can't help but imagine the gop getting together on Wednesday night and rubbing their hands together and comparing notes on who could be the most obnoxious, the most venal, the most ignorant...honestly it was a challenge to watch...are these the people actually making decisions for the country? I agree with Strzok...Putin is winning the hearts of the gop.
We wish the FBI had dumped what they knew on the public before the election.
Is there any chance this show was just to take the heat off the trump/NATO/London/Putin show?
4
I’ve always admired the FBI. I’ve always felt safer because I believe they have our backs. And while watching the spectacle today, I am so glad that Peter Strzok and good people like him are with the bureau. I found myself cheering for him and mentally vomiting every time a Republican questioned him. Three cheers for and enormous gratitude to Peter Strzok and the folks at the FBI...!!!
6
We are all in a reality TV show, but we're in pathetic, deplorable trouble with too many of the "players".......
Why do I keep having an image of Jack Nicholson while watching Strzok testify. I kept waiting for him to scream out "you can't handle the truth!".
This was shameless on all sides. Political leanings are fine. Bias is really hard to show with actual evidence, which is what the OIG report said. But when you are using your government issued device, which you know and consent to being monitored every day, to express your views, that's wrong and is one example of bias. He didn't go out to a bar to vent with buddies, he didn't use his personal email to chat with family. He used his Government phone to express his views...to someone he was having an affair with. We are not talking about some junior agent out of the academy. We are talking about a senior experienced agent and supervisor who set the poorest of examples for the FBI.
As Strzok sat there and defended the men and women of the FBI, he represented the worst of that agency by his admitted actions, bias or not. Does it require a Congressional hearing? No. All this has done is provided a platform for both sides to grandstand, and for yet another narcissist to get his 5 minutes of fame.
1
“Hillary” is “Secretary Clinton.” My skin crawls every time I hear men in power attempt to diminish her by using her first name in public hearings.
This is just more misogyny.
22
You quote Rep. Gohmert as asking Strozk “I can’t help but wonder when I see you looking there with a little smirk, how many times did you look so innocent into your wife’s eye and lie to her?”
Any bets on whether Rep. Gohmert has asked, or will ask, President Trump the same question?
5
More of the same from the Republican House of money wasters.
6
This guy is a clown. If he was well thought of at the “bureau” what does that say about that entire organization?
2
Every Republicanal in Congress is obstructing justice and must be imprisoned.
8
I found the behavior of the Republicans at the hearing despicable, self-serving and hateful. The hearing resembled those of the Stalin kangaroo courts of the 1930's. How shameful, how embarrassing.
12
A hacker with a soul, if you're listening, please find and publish all texts and emails of Gowdy, Gohmert and the whole gang of hypocrites! Let us see who is without bias.
6
He's a patriot, articulate, intelligent, not without his faults and can complete a sentence. Peter Strzok for President!
5
I saw a bit of this yesterday. Some clown from OK was questioning Strzok. He would blather on for a minute and then ask a question. Before Strzok could get 10 words out the "people's representative" (UGH!) would interrupt and blather on.
He, of course, finished is allotted time with a quote from The Bible.
What would Jesus say?
7
Congress demonstrated it's true colors, sorry, color - YELLOW. Sallow faced, mean minded, gutter crawling - these are the descriptions that come to mind when watching gowdy and gohmert (their names do not deserve caps). This nation's most reliable and devoted and selfless organizations are under attack by self centered egomaniacs, led by an egomaniac in chief. If change does not come soon, we can kiss this great nation goodbye.
10
Yesterday the Republican Party demonstrated they are more loyal to Putin and the Russians than they are to the protection of America.
10
I agree that this investigation is a sham and I believe Strzok's testimony, but it's very difficult to walk back what Strzok said in his text messages and he should have know better.
2
One must conclude that Russia ties into the Republican Party run wide and deep...
9
Buckle up.
There are 42 people scheduled to be subpoenaed.
And guess what?
That includes a good number of FBI folks who want to testify.
They won’t all be the snotty, super hero types like Strzok.
1
As each day passes I feel more strongly that there is collusion not only between Trump and Russia, but between members of Congress and Russia.
There is really little logical explanation for the disgraceful and painful spectacle we witnessed yesterday. Even Trey Gowdy cannot be that stupid. Power and money are involved of course, but how?
There has to be more below the surface.
9
another smarmy type here ... Comey .. Mueller
now this character .. the FBI certainly fields no shortage
of shaky- worming sorts... books can indeed be judged by their covers .. the typical deflection tactics are tiring .. the obvious political anti-Trump veining cannot be minimized by feigned outrage ... it appears the FBI itself-not Russia-- needs investigation of serious election tampering .. the tab for this circus should as well come from the FBI budget
1
Strozk for President.
10
Mr. Strzok: Thank your for your service to our country.
Republicans on the committee: Thank your for laying bare your self-serving positions and actions.
12
The so-called administration of the liar-in-chief is itself a reality show running 24/7 with lots of spineless GOP congressional members at least publicly supporting the show. So it is not surprising the hearing became a spectacle, and not a very good one at that.
4
Mr.Strzok gave the nation and the Republicans a good look at what a patriot and dedicated public servant possessing honor, intelligence and the ability to put his sworn duties above his personal party preferences, which he, along with every other citizen, is constitutionally entitled to posses and to reveal or not to reveal as long as it plays no part in doing his job. It didn’t.
If it did Donald Trump would not be president. Also Mr. Strzak had received orders from his boss not to reveal when he learned about Trump and Russia and he was bound to follow those instructions as a federal employee who follows the rules and does not makes them.
There is one single, shining answer Mr, Strzok gave, and if you watched television last night you know what it was, which the Democrats should run as and television ad in red states so they can take a look at what a patriotic public servant, dedicated to personal honor, decency and the rule of law looks like, qualities in extremely short supply among these GOP interrogators who were taken to the woodshed by Mr. Strzok for the nation to see. The GOP thought they would make this man their whipping boy.
12
Strzok was the voice of sanity during the election (via his now-exposed private messages). He called Trump what Trump is.
5
Putin will be asking Trump for pointers on how to get members of the Russian Duma to be as willing to publicly humiliate themselves in sycophantic support of their president as Republican members of Congress do.
8
I've been watching the GOP closely for the last 15-20 years. They are nothing if not ruthless. They will literally throw anyone under the bus if they think it will further their cause (including babies and children of immigrants). They did it to Monica Lewinsky. The goal was Clinton, and she happened to be collateral damage. How many others have been tarnished just since Trump took center stage? Now, they are trying to destroy a high ranking FBI agent with a distinguished career, all while ignoring the incredibly unethical, and possibly criminal, behavior of the chief executive. I've watched video clips of the hearing. How embarrassing and shameful for the Republicans. And the fact that Mr. Strzok is forced to bear this abuse and indignity is simply beyond the pale.
9
Seems to me the fact that the current president was elected despite the email assurance he wouldn’t be is it’s own evidence that the FBI didn’t interfere with the election. I wish it had
4
I have some difficulty with so many people worshipping the FBI.
No doubt the FBI is an overall competent and important organization.
I have more difficulty with Republicans and Trumpians assuming that if one apple is not perfect in a basket every apple in one thousand baskets are rotten.
1
What is disturbing about this craziness is how similar it is to the strife that Russia induced into Ukraine politics to gain certain strategic objectives: the return of Crimea to Russia and the establishment of a Russian dominated enclave on the Ukraine-Russia border to weaken NATO. Prior to 2014 Ukraine was a NATO member and part of the European Union. In 2010, with the help of Russian interference, Viktor Yanukovych was elected president. Yanukovych quickly switched the countries allegiances from NATO and the EU to Russia using tactics like those Donald Trump is using today. The Velvet Revolution in Ukraine in 2014 drove Yanukovych out of office and he scurried away to Russia. The United States is a powerful and rich country but politically it is very weak, because the electorate is so evenly divided among each of the two major political parties; and divided over emotional and religious issues like abortion, religious interference in politics, gun control and the death penalty making it ieasy for an outside power to create divisiveness like what we are seeing today with Republican's attackon the FBI, something so out of the norm for Republicans. We need to take a very good look at ourselves and make an effort to reestablish civility in our daily life or we will face years of political breakdown and possibly mob action. The proliferation of guns could lead to a much more serious climax to our struggles than a blue wave that settles everything.
4
Oh fine...adultery aside (which does not seem to be the political death knell it used to be), Strzok for president.
7
Gowdy appears to believe that Strzok could not be able to separate his political views from his responsibility to perform his duties with out prejudice. As a former government employee and prosecutor, does he form that belief from the way he conducted himself when he was in a similar position?
5
I've watched much of the hearing, and I come away with two chief observations: 1) Strzok has a more extended and illustrious career than I had realized; he appears exceptionally competent, and his testimony seems credible. 2) The Republican committee members, especially those usuals (we all know who they are), are an embarrassment to democratic governance. They exhibit the error of giving too much power to very small men.
14
I would like to say exactly what Trey Gowdy is but I know it would keep my comment from being printed. I will suffice to say he is an embarrassment to himself and the Senate.
Peter Strzok was wrong to make the comments he did with regards to the president on a company phone. He was wrong to facilitate an affair on a company phone. For that Mueller removed him from the investigation. It makes no sense that this taints the entire FBI or the Mueller investigation.
The Republicans are stuck with Donald Trump. They are trying to create a smokescreen for a president that by all appearances was placed in office because of the Russians interfering in the election. As Mr. Gowdy was ranting about information that we already knew, President Trump was undermining NATO and preparing to meet behind close doors with his favorite leader Vladmir Putin.
If expressed bias is truly a problem, every Republican I can think of would have had to recuse himself from anything that involved investigating a matter related to President Obama during Obama's eight year term. Is Mr. Gowdy suggesting that he was completely unbiased toward Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama during the ridiculously long Benghazi investigation?
For what it's worth I am apologizing to the NATO countries for the "stable genius" we send to represent our country. It's embarrassing to be an American these days. I will draw upon spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King- a man who believed our country could find its better self.
5
This theatrical performance of "Lynching Strzok," was put on by the Republican Partisan Repertory Company. The performance, led by Gohmer, Gowdy and Gollum, all experienced lynching performers, employed the usual theatrical ploys: shouted questions, refusal to allow answers, grandstanding accusations and insinuations, demands a witness cannot answer. In other words, perfected Republican character assassination. But...
Mr. Strzok performed his part, survivor of this political lynching, well. In the end, the audience saw Strzok rise in stature above the Republican fray, where Gomer and Gowdy could not be distinguished from Gollum.
7
Change the name from Trump to Clinton in this very "patriotic" and "misunderstood" agent's texts and then consider how different the comments here would be!
1
He made many noxious comments about Hilary also! Read entire stories, instead of listening to FOX, and how different your life will be!
5
Grace you failed debate 101. Don't assume I didn't read the entire story and don't assume I listen only to Fox. However do continue to let your hate for this present president blind you.
So from the Rep from Arizona, a former dentist, says he can read one’s body language. Wow, did his dental school have Body Language 101? When you have to bring in someone’s body language into the discussion you’ve got nothing else.
17
When you're about to put a four-inch needle into a patient's mouth where a major nerve that runs through the jaw up into the left side of the face that if not done correctly could cause permanent paralysis of the face, dude, you better be able to read body language.
The disgraceful display by Trey Gowdy and the GOP sycophants at yesterday’s hearing was an outrageous disgrace to the nation and to Peter Strozyk. Witch Hunt is too polite at the spectacle displayed by House Republicans.
Peter Strozyk demonstrated his patriotism in defense of the FBI and the nation from the Russian scandal and the current incompetent administration.
Come on Mr Mueller - Godspeed.
15
Every Republican on that panel looked like a Joe McCarthy clone.
Every person in this country, even FBI agents, are entitled to their own political opinions. After all, each Republican on that panel knows the truth of Don the Con's disastrous presidency yet continues to play along for the sole purpose of personal job security. If any improper behavior exists, it is clearly and most destructively belongs to each panel member who wold rather turn a blind's eye to their own values and the values of this country in order to protect their jobs. The tail is wagging the dog in DC and the Republicans know it.
Strzok's text was a private text. His bias on anything, at any time during his long and honorable career, has not affected his professional judgment. The Republicans on that panel yesterday were neither honorable, concerned about the truth or our country. Job security bias at any cost is their sole concern....gutless, feckless and traitorous..
16
Nothing but GOP Theater. HURRY NOVEMBER!
13
The GOP's true colors on display for the world to see. Incredibly disgusting. Where do they find these guys? Apparently, underneath the barrel.
10
In any other work place, if anyone in the meeting resorted to the trumpian antics that Gowdy and Gohmert (no, I will not use their elective titles as they no longer of deserving of that respect) and engaged in personal attacks those engaged in those antics would have been escorted out of the premises carrying a box with their personal possessions.
But, in our new world of attack politics courtesy of the schoolyard bully and grifter from Queens, this is now becoming the norm-no decorum, no respect, no listening to others-just attack and let the blood flow.
What a disgraceful act.
10
This guy = my new hero.
20
A simple point, sure he is bias. As congressman Louie Gohmert said “we all have bias”. Now if the policeman investigating your child’s abduction hates child molesters will you conclude that he is not fit to investigate your Child's disappearance? If the policeman already knows of a suspect who is known to lie about such things would you say this policeman was on a witch hunt for wanting to question this person?
1
Claiming that the FBI's political enemy was the Trump campaign, instead of accepting the plain truth that they were doing their job to protect the nation from foreign meddling in our election system was another ludicrous attempt by Trump, Nunes and the GOP house to obfuscate the facts related to Trump’s treason and the Mueller investigation .
3
Agent Strozk should be prosecuted for dereliction of duty and attempting to influence a presidential election. He is a disgrace to both the F.B.I, and to his country. And the Democrats who attempted to protect him and deflect the truth during his testimony have revealed themselves to be the partisan hacks that they have always been.
2
Now that is funny! Thanks for the Friday belly laugh.
2
It seems that yelling has been the Republicans preferred method of intimidating witnesses, government officials and the American people since 2000 (and probably before).
It is a reflex to look where the people who are yelling point. We , the American people are seeing nothing. What the Republicans need to do now is to take a shoe off and pound the table.
8
Slave State Confederates like Gowdy don't like the United States; they do indeed believe in those old Southern Values that were upended by their loss in the Civil War they started.
When the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts were passed in the mid-sixties, the Solid South Democrats suddenly became Republican Evangelicals, self-righteously proclaiming their 'values' and fighting every day to roll back to the good old days.
Don't call them anything but what they are: Neo-Confederates.
4
My suggestion - - all members of the House and Senate and all appointed officials should be required to disclose their TWEETS so that we can assess their biases.
Yesterday's House Judiciary Committee hearing: WHAT AN EMBARASSMENT!
Yesterday's score: USA 0 RUSSIA 1
5
Thank you Peter Strzok for defending the integrity and honor of the FBI and our country! Trump is obviously a stooge of the Russians and is intent on destroying our Democracy and our alliances with long standing allies. The behavior of Trey Goudy and Gomert was disgusting and unworthy of their office as Congressmen. Are there any decent Republicans left?
5
What more will it take before your only option is to vote Democrat? Just how bad does it have to get?
5
What this show trial has demonstrated to me is that it is impossible for people to admit that they have been fools. Rather than acknowledge mistakes, they will embrace any far fetched explanation - The Deep State! Bias! Maybe Aliens! - to justify their beliefs.
And if all else fails, just lie about Hillary Clinton.
At least Trey Gowdy is leaving the stage, his act has gotten really old.
2
His body language was extremely defensive and angry. Pompous and arrogant. Suppressed crying . Appears weak minded and dependent on his title and positioning to feel strong. A bully. He was clearly lying without any regard for the truth or Congress. Used all his FBI skills to talk around the issues. Was a terrible model for the even application of the law. Shows how the FBI is not only the masters of deceit but masters of phony manipulation. Clearly he should be removed from the FBI and banned from any other government positions. May be criminal. Certainly acts like one. So scary these people are allowed to prey on the people of the country. Trump right again.
2
Agent Strzok is a true American patriot, unfairly victimized by the defenders of the greatest threat America has ever faced. Mr. Gowdy, would you be willing to share your text messages from your days as the ringmaster of the Benghazi circus? Mr. Goldlatte, you treat the constitution as if it were made of toilet paper, disposed of with your stain. A witness threatened with contempt for obeying the rules meant to specifically prevent the obstruction you were pursuing. Publicly calling attention to the potential consequences of an affair because Agent Strzok was not a member of Congress was dispicible and a new low. Especially given the extramarital suspicions related to the very devil you are defending. Aligance to one's party should not come hand and hand with treason to one's country. All this while the leader of their party is embarrssing the entire country in the face of its staunchest allies. As a nation we could all be charged with contempt of Congress as that is the best they deserve.
12
A simple point, sure he is bias. As congressman Louie Gohmert said “we all have bias”. Now if the policeman investigating your child’s abduction hates child molesters will you conclude that he is not fit to investigate your Child's disappearance? If the policeman already knows of a suspect who is known to lie about such things would you say this policeman was on a witch hunt?
6
It’s nice to know that rather than doing something constructive, Congress is busy harassing a former FBI agent because he sent text messages critical of the president to his girlfriend. Well done Congress! Another day wasted!
Can we please only pay these clowns on days they actually accomplish something?
10
Watching yesterday brought to mind that warden in the Shawshank Redemption. And ex military personnel elected to congress behaving in a manner suited more to Hogan's Heroes.
I'd liken the questioning to more serious events of the past 100 years but I suppose at this point declaring the performance of some congressman in comparison to take-your-pick-if-you-watched-it might get me bamboo shoots up the fingernails underwater someday.
The GOP is guilty of ignoring Trump's unrelenting lies, his lack of any moral character, his attacks on veterans and handicapped people, his admission to ogling half-dressed underage girls, his using the office of president for personal gain, and his failure to release his tax returns. Now the GOP is disparaging law enforcement. We all saw this coming with the "swift-boating" of a genuine war hero John Kerry. Now draft-dodger Trump is being defended by these low-life GOP hacks. As a U.S. Army veteran, my disgust for the GOP knows no bounds.
11
Quite obvious that the FBI operates once again as it did in the past under its own set of operational rules above the law and any form of oversight. One need only to review the antics of COINTELPRO and the Church Committee hearings to divine how the agency has apparently backslid into old nefarious habits.
Ideological attack dogs recognize nothing as legitimate but their own ideology. They are incapable of believing a person can believe one thing and act independent of that belief because they cannot do it themselves.
4
The Trumpist congressmen want loyalty to Trump, not to the USA. Everyone employed by the government must conform. With their obsequious Trumpian panting and baiting, they know who their audience is and play to it. It is unfortunate that so few citizens choose to vote these rear guard blowhards are guaranteed to destroy individual freedoms, apparently no longer a guarantee of our Constitution. The remedy is to vote them out but we have a citizenry swimming in apathy and ignorance. Every citizen has a right to personal beliefs and opinions that may not conform to their professional responsibilities. So long as they perform their professional duties and follow the rule of law, they are allowed personal liberties. Oh, wait. Except and unless they are otherwise allowed to have religious beliefs supersede professional conduct. Slippery slope we're on, isn't it?
5
“Let me be clear, unequivocally and under oath:" ...
I am not a crook!
1
To the multitude of critics who challenged my earlier comment and who, as devoted followers, believe Clinton or Strzok are innocent of any wrong doing, I reply as follows:
Clinton didn't turn over all her work-related emails to the FBI, many of which were deemed classified. She and/or her associates destroyed her cell phone. She bit-bleached her computer in order to hide potential record of wrong doing. She used a server that was kept in an unsecured location thus leaving it, when used, vulnerable to hackers. And, of course, she funneled money from the Clinton Foundation into her campaign.
Despite all that, The FBI did not use a grand jury to subpoena any information. It gave immunity to over a dozen Clinton and Obama administration associates yet they did not come forward to testify. In the end, Comey pronounced her innocent of any crimes, deeming her actions "extremely careless" rather "gross negligence". It was Strzok who changed "gross negligence" to "extremely careless". Subsequently, Americans found out that this determination was made months earlier, before any interviews of her and her associates were made by the FBI.
Strzok was the lead in 2 investigations. In one, Hillary Clinton got away clean. In the other, Donald Trump, like him or not, became the target of an FBI agent who expressed a keen hatred for him. If the tables were reversed and Strzok said just as much about Hillary Clinton or, Heaven forbid, Barack Obama, Democrats would be in an uproar.
5
The real blabbermouth in this nonstop orgy of hypocrisy was James Comey. His actions alone were a valid cause to nullify the election.
And you have inside information that no one else has, right. I just love it when people defend a person or an issue without producing any verifiable evidence to support their position. You obviously did not listen to the hearing yesterday.
2
I bet you were a huge fan of Karl Rove deleting MILLIONS of Pres Bush emails from "whitehouse.gov" when that happened.
3
Yes, Stryzok made an important mistake; perhaps he should leave the FBI.
But todays's republican performance was out of proportion to the offense, and Goudy's rage cheap theatre. He's criticized the very productive Mueller team after participating in 2 years of a fruitless Bengazi investigation. He is an extreme example of republican hypocrisy. It's easy to demonize Clinton, but Mueller, a combat veteran and conservative republican who has risked his life to serve the country and demonstrates the best of our judicial system? Unfortunately, facts don't matter anymore.
Republicans are engaged in a campaign for the purpose of smearing facts and sowing confusion among their base, and today's performance was a prime example. They demonstrate a slavish devotion to party and cowardly refusal to criticize Trump.
Why are we surprised? Remember their primaries. Did any criticize Trump for insulting Syrian parents of a gold star hero? Making fun of a disabled reporter? Allowing a thug to strike a protester during a rally? Proudly describing how he grabbed women? No, cowed by the power he has over his 'base', envious of the adulation he received at rallies, they demonstrated the ultimate form of flattery; imitation, and failed, miserably. Remember; Trump's 'base' may be only 35% of the U.S. population but 85% of the republican party.
Watching Goudy and his fellow republicans was not a surprise. Just, sadly, more of the same.
4
Good for him. Trey Gowdy clearly wasn't interested in anything but belittling the witness. What a depressing show.
12
It is long overdue for citizens to stand up against these "elected" bullies.
11
“Mr. Strzok, visibly irked, insisted that he had “always told the truth” and shot back that Mr. Gohmert’s invocation of “a family member who I have acknowledged hurting goes more to a discussion about your character and what you stand for.”
Ironic how Gohmert calls out Strzok for an affair when during the Alabama special election Gohmert supported and defended Judge Roy Moore, a man accused of sexual assault on underage girls, and women. Apparently a consensual affair is more abhorrent to Republicans than sexual assault. The affair is an issue between Strzok and his wife. Sexual assault is a crime.
20
"..rejecting accusations that he let his private political views bias his official actions "
50,000 texts at 1 minute per = 50,000 minutes = 833 hours = 104 eight hour days.
Of course it affected his work.
2
The math is being used to paint a fake contention. Strzok stated that the vast majority of the 50 000 emails were work-related. Try again.
3
LMJr,
For you to claim 50,000 texts were only concerned with disparaging Trump is misleading at best and a gross distortion of fact at worst. Strzok and Page also had a few choice words for the Clintons and many others.
www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2018/02/the-fbis-principal-loyalty-...
1
Louie Gohmert for president in 2024.
He personifies all the best that Republicans stand for.
His intellect is truly staggering.
Vote in November.
2
I'm assuming you're being sarcastic - but given the political climate, and the electorate, unfortunately, subtlety is lost.
3
Thanks! You made my day!
Gohmert's sense of propriety is also truly staggering. What a model of statesmanship. (Someone throw water in his face.)
3
For more than nine hours yesterday the GOP showed America who it was and is. It is a horrendous portrait. This is a party who will go to the mat for Trump. They intend to protect him at all costs. Strzok, on the other hand, showed who he was as well with his cogent and courageous answers throughout the carnival barking created by the Republicans. Shameful isn't a strong enough word for the Republicans ridiculous behavior. I'm not sure that there's a word that describes that kind of devolution.
15
I am truly embarrassed by the way our "representatives" conduct themselves. If I want to watch Jerry Springer I can tune it in on the television.
8
Trey Gowdy should not be allowed to interrogate anyone since he has been accused of spending $150,000 of taxpayer money to settle a case with a former employee. It's so hard to keep up with the Republican scams. I just wish they'd wake up and realize they're taking down the country. But, they won't. So much hubris; so little time.
12
Having just achieved 30 years of federal government service in law enforcement, it is always amusing to hear talk of conspiracies among the federal work to undermine an administration. Folks, we are just like you, counting the days to the next pay check, rushing to pick up kids from day care, getting our job done with limited resources and out dated technology, and so on. The lone wolf controlling an investigation and single handily having an impact and affecting the course of history is today the stuff of Hollywood. There are levels of review, it is no longer the case that one investigator can single handily direct a sensitive political investigation, Hoover is long gone. The Washington Post and NYT are more that happy to hear out anyone blowing the whistle.
6
I believe Strzok, I don't believe that his bias effected the investigation. However, he was incompetent. The Russians interfered in our election, partially to help elect Trump. We know that they hacked the DNC servers and most likely hacked Clinton's private server. The DNC refused to turn the servers over to the FBI for forensic examination, and of course Clinton wiped hers clean.
3
I wonder just how many trump supporters there are in the FBI.
I wonder how their actions may have affected the election and investigations?
No bias there. Of course.
8
It's pretty obvious that Strzok and a host of other FBI agents don't like Trump. All of them should be dismissed from the agency immediately.
At the same time, the FBI should conduct a sweep of all e-mails and cell phone activity of its remaining agents. Any text indicating even the faintest bias toward Trump must be identified and those agents also dismissed immediately.
The FBI will also need to take steps to prevent this kind of bias in the agency in the future. It must therefore rule out any applicant who has ever voted in a primary election.
7
Did you miss the part of the testimony that he was order by his superiors to launch Russia investigation? Do you know that his job at the FBI was counter intelligence? Do you know what counter intelligence is? Do you know that the FBI considers Russia an foreign adversary? Most Americans consider them a foreign adversary? More so after interfering in our election and trying to meddle in the one coming up.
8
One does have to wonder at the GOP Congressmen grasping at straws, focussing on minutiae simply to avoid even looking at the overwhelming evidence of multiple contacts with Russia by multiple people around Trump....and even ignore the statements of both his sons employed in Trump Organization that essentially Trump did not need banks after multiple bankruptcies, because Russian money bailed them out.
Or maybe, they would prefer to focus on ANYTHING rather than the trashing of NATO, the jabs at our closest allies or the obvious conclusion as trade talks break down with China that Trump's goal with the tariffs IS a trade war......and he does not care who wins as long as he protects his own money. Our GOP Congressmen embarrassed themselves and us. The big picture is that the FBI, if it affected the election, was to Trump's benefit.....even if Strzok disliked him. (And, Mr. Gowdy, calling Trump destabilizing is NOT bias, simply truth...even Trump would agree.)
7
It seems disingenuous to say a rather stark negative opinion of a political figure would not effect an investigation of him. A report recently released, claims no bias was found in Strzok's investigation. But without a parallel investigation by someone without any bias towards Trump how can you come to the aforementioned reports conclusion?
2
A curious coincidence. I was watching CNN in the gym when Trump was speaking during the campaign. Near me was a middle aged man, originally of Northern African or Near-Eastern country, who with a rather worried voice asked: "He isn't going to be elected. Is he?" and I answered almost in the same words as Strzok: No, we won't vote for him." But to our everlasting surprise, we did. I didn't stop him and neither did Strzok.
7
The Peter Strzok hearing was trinket dropped from the gods who look after our American democracy. Strzok tried to look virtuous and unbiased, but it was unnatural. Trey Gaudy, scrupulous in his interrogation, triumphed when Strzok was asked why impeachment rather than Russian interference was the core of his investigation.
And then there was Louie Gohmert! Not since "On You It Looks Good" have I enjoy theater more.
4
This is going to sound silly or Pharisaical. But here goes.
Why do people have extra-marital affairs?
There is (of course) the damage done to the innocent spouse. Well, none of us is perfect. Lord knows, I'M not!
I'm thinking, rather, of all the trouble--the mischief--the confusion caused by PUBLIC FIGURES conducting little affairs on the side.
Well, of course, there's the President. This is not one of his admirers talking. But my stars! the trouble HE would have avoided had he only. . .. you know what I mean.
Or a sometime Representative from New York. You know who I mean.
Or a sometime Attorney General of New York. Remember?. . ..
Or a high-ranking (and well thought of) general in the U.S. Army.
Or him. . .or him. . .or maybe HER. . . .or him. . .or. . . .
And now Mr. Strzok. Lord knows, those e-mails would have caused trouble ANYWAY.
But the fact they were addressed to an inamorata. . .
. . .it just muddies the water. Complicates things.
And things right now are pretty complicated.
WAY too complicated!
I think we're all looking for an EXIT sign somewhere.
And not finding it.
Good luck, Mr. Strzok!
I think you'll be needing it.
1
What DO you mean?
Maybe the Republicans want the investigation into Russian election meddling to go away because not only is Trump embroiled with the Russians and their money, but apparently so are some of them, too. https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2018/05/08/putins-proxies-...
12
I felt that Mr. Strzok's responses yesterday were the Edward R. Murrow versus Senator Joseph McCarthy moment of the decade. Thank God for his competence, his dedication to the truth, and his courage in the face of the quasi-fascist republican attacks that have become acceptable to the right wingers among us since the election of DT.
14
We should all be grateful we had such a smart and crafty person who thinks so clearly on his feet directing US intelligence for the FBI. Given what he knows about trump campaign activities that have not yet been made public, it must be tough for him to be placed in the position to defend himself against a cabal of politically misguided misfits and grandstanders who are in the position and have the responsibility of defending our nation but have chosen instead to disregard the security of our nation for the short-term political advantage. If any one member of our armed forces made the calculations that republican politicians have made and acted accordingly they would be tried for treason. This is what drinking kool-aid, dysfunction and treachery look like.
20
They did everything but put him in the stocks. The one quoting scripture might have wanted to stone him instead. I think the dentists' attempt at a little free advertising backfired, though.
9
My take-away from the hearing: There is a House district in Texas that holds Louie Gommert (sp) in high esteem, and elects him to represent themselves in Congress. Every other American should circle it on a map and avoid it at all costs. There's some real trouble in that district.
26
The Republicans hold a public hearing to investigate if an FBI agent has "bias" against Trump, yet they refuse to hold public hearings about the Russians attack against our country.
We-the-people DEMAND the Republicans haul Donald Trump Junior, Jared Kushner, Steve Bannon, Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn before congress to testify in public about what they know and what they did with the Russians. The American people have a RIGHT TO THE TRUTH!
22
No one should defend Strzok's behavior.
But that is not the same as saying the FBI and Mueller's investigations are invallid because overwhelming anti-Trump bias has hopeless tainted them. There is no evidence of that.
It may be that Strzok's personal bias, strong as it was, never affected a single one of his professional actions, as he claims.
But if two FBI agents investigating Clinton's email had exchanged like Strozk's and Page, who here would defend them , and who would beleive Strzok when he claimed he didn't remember sending the email and, in any case, it hadn't affected his professional actions?
“[Hillary's] not ever going to become president, right? Right?!” Page texted Strzok.
“No. No she won’t. We’ll stop it,” Strzok responded.
I, for one, defend Peter Strzok's "behavior." Granted, his texts were hyperbolic; however, considering their subjects -- unfit presidential candidate Trump and Russian hacking -- they were appropriate concern messages.
In his pre-2016-election communiques with Lisa Page, Strzok acted as a patriotic whistle-blower ahead of his time.
5
No objective reading of those text messages could avoid recognizing that they were written by someone deeply biased against then-candidate Trump. Agent Strzok's refusal to acknowledge this is a blow against his credibility. As to whether he allowed his obvious bias to influence his work, I don't know how this could ever be proved or disproved to any partisan's satisfaction. I do wonder where the Obama DOJ was during all this attempted Russian intervention into our election.
5
He also wrote derogatory comments about Hillary and Bernie. But the hearing of course ignored that.
7
btb -- Of course Strzok is "biased" against Trump. So are a Vast Majority of other decent, rationale, democracy-loving Americans.
4
It is not his bias I found disturbing but rather his refusal to acknowledge it. It calls into question his entire testimony. We all have biases but in a professional capacity we must strive to overcome them...did he?
Its clear to me that Trump is pathologically ill, but what about the millions of people that still support him. Are they pathologically ill as well? Is American culture dysfunctional? That is what the whole world is asking!
18
If you ever saw the audience at a wrestling match, then you might understand the tribal attitude of most the Trump supports.
1
Shame on every Republican who personally attacked and lambasted Mr. Strzok for perceived wrongs that are meaningless and insignificant, compared with our commander in chief's blatant inhumane, racist behavior, disrespectful treatment of world leaders/longtime allies, fawning over tyrants and white nationalist criminals, and displays of an utter lack of civility that does not befit the highest office of this land. Why aren't these Republican legislators speaking out against the President's disgraceful war against children, brown and black people, immigrants, Muslims, women, European allies, our own economy via tariffs that will backfire, and at stake now -- American democracy? If you watch this hearing, you will see it's a witch trial, with no purpose other than to allow the GOP lap dogs to rant and rage against one government employee who sees the Emperor as he is ---with no clothes --- and has the gall/courage to communicate this. Who is there in office to speak to the real misconduct and indecency of our highest official, instead of gutlessly attacking an FBI employee for their own self-serving ends. Their circus is so transparent it's almost laughable.
13
And this spectacle is the Republicans’ answer to the American people, who just want to know if the Russians interfered and will keep interfering in our Democracy. May all of you be swept out come November.
18
To me, the line of questioning looked pathetically inept. The questions turned the spotlight on house members, not the witness.
6
Which is what they always do!
1
Based on the warped logic the Republicans used today against Stroyk apparently agents who are Democrats are incapable of investigating Republicans. My question to them is does that mean they intend to re-investigate every case involving anyone who was a Democrat since it’s likely the agents involved were Republicans? If Democrats aren’t capable of investigating Republicans then the opposite would also be true, I presume?
One of the many ironies with this case is that the majority of agents are actually Republicans. Comey was. Mueller is. Rosenstein is. Most of the NYC FBI Office are Republicans. It was even described as Trumpland during the campaign and, irony of ironies, the only leaking done by the FBI during the campaign was about Clinton. Not the fact that Russia intervened in our election and Trump may have conspired with them. Yet Republicans today tried to paint Stroyk as some kind of lone wolf out to get Trump. Wow. Fine job sir.
They are heading down a dangerous road where Party determines everything . This century’s McCarthyism. Former Republican strategist Steve Schmidt is right—the Republican Party is a cancer, destroying our country.
11
So Trey Gowdy, once a soldier, sits on his perch and denigrates an FBI officer because that officer has political views. I wonder, when Gowdy served in our military did he have political views? I'll bet he did and strong ones too. Did he let those political views get in the way of doing his duty as a soldier in the U.S. military. I highly doubt it. He had opinions but he did his duty. He knows that this is the way it is with all who serve in institutions. To insinuate that the FBI is corrupted because an FBI agent revealed his political point of view is total hypocrisy. Does this mean that anyone who has ever posted anything on Facebook, Twitter, and expressed a political point of view can no longer serve honorable in our government?
This is total nonsense and another big waste of taxpayer money as our Congress does nothing these days except run cover for Donald Trump. Russia attacked our electoral system. They may have colluded with our President to corrupt an election. This doesn't seem to matter to Trey Gowdy or the other Republicans at all. All they want to do is denigrate our law enforcement institutions to protect their President who right now seems to be going about the world doing Putin's bidding for him. The shame. If the American people don't have the guts to throw out these Republicans, then shame on all of us. Our country is being betrayed while politicians put Party over patriotism.
11
Since the elephant is nearing extinction, the republication party should adopt the kangeroo as their symbol. This more accurately represents the method by which they investigate state matters and describes perfectly the type of Court proceedings they use.
7
The tone of this article, as well as the comments, indicate support for agent Strzok. How disappointing! How discouraging! Strzok led the supposed investigation into HRC's use of the non-government email server if you call that an investigation at all; then we tweeted his bias and animus about then-candidate Donald J. Trump.
His support for HRC was clearly evident. Government employees have every right to hold political views but those views are not supposed to steer their work, as it often does. Strzok made the foolish mistake of documenting his views. He made that mistake based on poor judgment steered by a heated affair with a colleague.
Last night, FOX's chief intelligence correspondence commented that Representative Gohmert's questioning about Strzok's extramarital affair with Ms. Page was valid because by conducting such an affair, Strzok had exposed himself to foreign blackmail. The reporter also noted that the HRC email server had been hacked, and the hacker had implanted code which directed the messages to them. She said that the hacker was not Russia! Gohmert was going to take the questioning in that direction before he was interrupted by the Left who have only disdain for marital fidelity.
God help America! Thank you.
1
The whole monstrosity of immigration and naturalization jailing children and hauling them up in front of judges has become clear to me after watching republicans at work yesterday.
It harkened me back to Tim Geithner getting screamed at in the senate when all the guy was trying to do was stimulate the economy with taxpayer money. As if it had never been done before. Yeah, it isn't great, but neither was the government allowing the bundling of sub-prime and prime mortgages.
The jailhouse style of congress yesterday was something ten times crazier. Congressmen acting like ICE agents and you'll get your kids torn out of your arms and thrown in jail. Retreat to your cells and just try to dig a hole out embracing the rain and move to the shore of some beach far far away if you can, the military machine has entered the halls of congress ripe from the prisons of Iraq and the caves of Afghanistan.
When will we start reading that Putin's Russia is a misogynistic,right wing christianist, plutocracy that adheres to the same political platform as the GOP.
Unlike Trump, Putin is a full fledged member of the christianist right.
Republicans are just a little slower than Putin. Reaganism had an eleven years head start before the communists were overthrown and it was only that the USA had such a large empowered middle-class that prevented GOP America from becoming Russia sooner.
I watched the hearings, they were however terrifying with each successive GOP inquisitor more insane than the last . This was not easy when you start with Goodlatte and Jordan but it helps to have Gohmert on the bench.
3
A man's integrity is questioned because he cheated on his wife. Does that story sound at all familiar? I seem to recall certain persons (Trump, Giuliani, etc) who cheated on their wives multiple times. Not hypocritical at all.
8
The likely collusion and potential treason of the Trump campaign, and the endless sycophantic cover given by the Republican party, is much more serious than a random late-night text.
I'm thrilled that someone - finally- had the courage to call out the disgusting insanity of the Trump administration and the Republicans in Congress. That's patriotism. Thank you Mr. Strzok.
12
The administration protests too much. Many are entangled w Russia. Do they expect us to accept Putin. What role does he have planned for himself in our government?
1
It strains credulity to think that someone (Strzok) who speaks this way privately can be completely objective in carrying out every decision, every communication, every initiative of his official duties.
6
Professional law enforcement officers have to do this every day. You don’t always agree with the laws you have sworn to uphold, but a promise is a promise. You have led a very charmed existence if your personal and professional lives have always been perfectly aligned. Most do not have that luxury, but they still manage do their jobs honourably.
8
These officers 'have' to do this, but do they actually? I don't know the answer, but I hope they do.
Realize we don't have all of Strzok's private communications, just the ones he was allowed to select and turned over to authorities.
Think back to the O.J. Simpson trial -- one investigator had been shown to use racial epithets long in his past, but that was used to impeach his credibility to objectively carry out his investigation. And that lead to what many believe was a travesty of justice.
Can we not reasonably raise a similar question here?
As we can say of trump. Where is the outrage on trump?
3
Mr Strzok showed the back bone and courage of what makes the FBI & America the great country that we are.His Marital misgivings has nothing to do with what he stands for, & that snake that brought it up to demean him, ended up demeaning himself & the corrupt Trump supporters. If only he had the where with all, to keep Trump from becoming President, he would go down in History as a hero.
18
Peter Strzok’s testimony was a combination of hubris, arrogance, and a stunning state of denial.
He tried to tell us that his bias was personal and in no way affected his work decisions. That is balderdash. Strong bias always finds its way into your conclusions. Any information about candidate Trump would be viewed with a jaundiced eye. On the contrary, information about candidate Clinton would be viewed differently.
When Mr. Mueller discovered his bias, he correctly removed Strzok from the investigation. Mr. Strzok has lots of soul searching to do.
9
Lost in yesterday's hysterics was the simple fact that the FBI follows the facts, and that indictments are sought only when the facts support doing so. The process does not allow for one man crusades and there are many levels of checks and balances to prevent this from happening.
On matters of politics, most everyone has an opinion, and this is universally true of those working in Washington, DC. But the critical question is whether the FBIs focus remains on the facts and the evidence.
In the fullness of time, the facts and the evidence will be put forward for all to see.
12
Like many of my fellow Americans I was riveted to the TV for this hearing, and I was appalled at the blatant hypocrisy of Trey Gowdy and his fellow Republicans as they interrogated Agent Peter Strzok. It was extreme political theater and it was awful.
Yes, Agent Strzok made errors in judgment by using his FBI computer/laptop for private messages to another FBI colleague. Who among us has not used a business computer for private messages?
And yes, he was very critical of the moral standing of Donald Trump. That alone elevates Agent Strzok in this moderate Democrat's eyes.
But honest to god, if he wanted to torpedo Donald Trump's candidacy all he had to do was leak to the press that there was an active investigation into Russia exerting influence on the campaign to enable Trump to win and Clinton to lose.
Agent Strzok didn't do that. President Obama SHOULD have done that, but he didn't.
The political spectacle yesterday is a prime reason why most Americans think more of cockroaches than they do their elected officials. It was, to use Trump's favorite word, a disgrace.
17
Another partisan dog-and-pony show calculated to generate juicy sound bites for their respective if not respectable tribes. Minds changed: zero.
7
I just returned from a trip and the first thing I saw in the airport was an American employee being rude to (European) travelers. The young lady was grandstanding, posing with her imaginary powers over the lost, elderly couple. It was just plain rude.
Likewise, we have elected officials behaving as poorly. The level of questions coming from the Republicans are strikingly low, and you can almost see them embracing what they think is their right to attack someone who isn't one of them. Strzok is me, the way I would respond if being asked skewed questions from posing politicians. And he is all of us under fire for every email, every word, if we don't resist the unintelligent position that these Republicans are so desperate to rally around; it really does look like a form of insanity. (So do some of the democrats positions.)
This is Trump's real impact. We don't even pretend to be civil anymore. There is no way that makes America great; it makes us so pathetic that Russia just steps lightly over our collective shell and becomes the good guy on the world stage. (Honestly -- formula over breast milk?! You can't believe how my international friends responded to that one! ) Can Republicans not see that? Can some of the posters here who hate the Republicans not see that? Why are we all following the lead of such a bad actor?
11
Yesterday’s House hearing was an example of incredible political theater demonstrating both purposeful and natural ignorance of many elected to federal office. Those watching may have observed the circle of obstruction of Justice surrounding President Trump, who has spoken and acted as if compromised in some manner by anti-democratic, anti-American foreign adversaries. Even if not compromised by foreign influences, Mr. Trump has acted like a cruel, inhumane, incompetent, omnipotent king, and Congress is complicit. After all, some constituencies will realize the theocratic discrimination, the oligarchic greed, the racial and ethnic segregation associated with authoritarian dictatorships around the world. One must consider the GOP-led Congress is an instrument of the destruction of American democracy. “We’ll stop it” must come to include stopping all those in this country who are tearing this country apart by selfish, ignorant, hateful designs.
11
I used to watch videos of the British House of Commons for comic relief. Watching the backbenchers from the hinterlands spar with the opposition was often like watching an episode of Fawlty Towers - pithy and witty, but restrained and understated.
And here I am years later watching an Americanized (or perhaps “Trumpized”) version of our lower house in uproar. The fun is gone. Nothing witty, clever, or the least bit inspiring to be found in any of this - just crassness all around. The likes of Louie Gohmert, who is not worthy of sitting on a footstool in the hallway outside the hallowed halls of Congress, have become the party in power, and their classlessness and nastiness are on full display.
I wonder if the Brits can watch this spectacle from afar and find some humor in it. I know I can’t.
17
Gohmert made a point though about Strzok’s deceitfulness. Strzok had to acknowledge the “hurt” he caused his family, but even that was in the same smarmy category as his professed love for America even though he hates the SMELL of Trump supporters in a Walmart in Southern Virginia. Usually he would never be caught dead in that part of “America.” I would have asked him what he went in there for. Maybe to buy something in the pharmaceutical department for his lover.
So the GOP is accusing the FBI agent of putting party before country. Someone in the media needs to explain ‘projection’ to the voting public.
18
Mr. Strzok knows a lot more about the evidence against Trump that he is able to reveal and it is possible that when he texted that "we will stop it" he was relying on that evidence which he knew was substantial enough to successfully prosecute Trump. It really is the only explanation for his statement. When the committee brought him in to testify I believe they were digging for that information that he refused to reveal and when they couldn't get it out of him they decided to burn and destroy him, accusing him of lying, harass him and his wife, and do everything they could to break him so that he can't work anywhere.
7
I applaud Strzok for his courage and grit although I don't agree with his mistakes. Finally somebody has stood up to the Republican bullies in the House who are desperately trying to do anything to deflect attention away from Great Leader Trump and the Mueller investigation by looking for somebody else to blame.
The Republican strategy is like setting up a controlled burn to take fuel away from another fire. Create doubt about the FBI and the Russia investigation and any findings Mueller comes up with---particularly if they implicate Trump---will immediately be suspect and there will be a ready made chorus of fervent naysayers to advance the Trump brand. it's a type of desperate emergency public relations triage. Don't look for the truth but do anything you can to make Trump look good and his opponents look bad because making Trump look good is really all that matters. Are we great yet? I don't think so and seriously doubt if America will ever be really great again with Trump in the White House and Republicans in control of Congress. Gee I thought America was a multiparty democracy not a one party dictatorship where the Chief Executive rules by decree and uses anger, mistrust and hatred to gain political power. America is sounding more and more everyday like Russia or NK. No wonder Trump met with Kim and meets with Putin. Kim and Putin are Trump's role models and heroes. Beware America Trump bearing "deals" from Putin and Kim.
17
For such a smart guy to email a friend on his government server his own feelings about the coming election he was very naïve. I watched a number of hours of his testimony and I believe him. I also believe that most if not the majority of FBI Agents are conservative when it comes to their politics. But Strozok put himself on the line for all to see. And we know that the GOP will use any means to try to discredit the investigation. They don't not want information found that will damage or destroy their leader. Better not to know than to know is what they appear to believe.
8
After watching part of the hearing, my question to the Republicans is why are you asking question if you do not want to hear the answer?
24
I watched most of the hearing. My impressions were:
At first, he held up well. But, perhaps wearying, his temper got shorter watching the shenanigans and he lashed out too. So would have I and most others. But, in my view, he was either untruthful or delusional.
He couldn't really explain away writing that Clinton should win a hundred million to zero, repeatedly insulting Trump and his supporters, stating that they won't let Trump win - had an insurance policy against it. He doesn't believe it disqualified him b/c of his training and others being involved. Please. If the FBI permits that level of bias by investigators, we can't have any faith in political investigations.
And while he regretted what he wrote, and apologized to those close to him, he still doesn't admit he did anything wrong and denies any bias and that his affair left him vulnerable to blackmail - b/c he's so patriotic. In other words, special.
The committees, as usual, were embarrassing. The Ds used every device they could to obstruct the hearing, objecting, demanding votes, in some cases just interrupting and mocking the chairmen and other Rs. The Rs, who have do the same thing when they are protecting a witness, repeatedly leaped on obvious metaphors and euphemisms and made bizarre rulings. Some were rude to the witness. It takes civility to do this properly, and neither side has any left.
The most important lesson for us - don't text or email things you don't want everyone to read.
7
I can say that I both received and wrote many emails which sounded very much like Mr Strzok's emails. "Trump's not gonna win, is he? Could he?" "No, we will stop him. The people in America can't possibly elect this con man. He will loose and it will be in a landslide."
I am not guessing when I say that many people from both parties write similar emails.
2
Of course, Alberta, lots of people had strong feelings. I'm not a Trump or Clinton supporter, and I've written things about him too. But, this was covered in the hearing - you and I weren't investigating the two candidates. It makes a big difference.
Although there are no perfect analogies, you can analogize it to people sitting on a jury or judging a case. It is fine for them to have strong opinions - but you should recuse yourself if you are a judge and tell the attorneys/court if you are a juror that even might be biased against one of the parties. Here, Strzok can't even admit bias or that having an affair might have made him vulnerable - which shows we can't trust him to appraise himself.
We usually all "think" we can be fair even with bias, but no one, not you, me or any congressperson - or Strzok - would want someone who wrote the way Strzok did about Trump, to investigate them if we knew those were the feelings about us. Congresspersons are the first ones to scream bias against themselves. This is something you should only see in a movie. Whatever faith I had in the FBI, and I think we should be cynical of all law enforcement, even if we respect the job and people, is gone about all of these investigations. In the absence of smoking guns, I will have a lot of trouble swallowing any conclusions.
Mr. Strzok swore under oath that he is telling the truth -- which is more than Trump is willing to do.
The hearing was a circus but a pitiable one regarding the current state of our american democracy.
24
Does any normal, semi-intelligent United States citizen still believe in the efficacy of Congress after the spectacle that took place yesterday? At first, I was shocked, then angry, and finally, saddened by the Circus atmosphere of most of the members, particularly by the Republicans. This is something you could expect from a 3rd world country, but the US? Trump didn’t start this cancer; He just metastasized it. Yesterday was Parliament on Steroids. At 79, America always stood for decency and respect until the 60’s when it started to fray around the edges. Now, it’s really coming apart and I’m not certain we can fix it. No empire, regardless of how Great they were last forever.
21
I am glad you watched. I seriously doubt most commenters here did, or more than clips. I agree with many of your statements, particularly about Congress, but did you really think Strzok was credible that his determination that Trump not win left him capable of doing his job fairly or that he wasn't biased at all? He said that. Or that he, unlike everyone else, wouldn't be made vulnerable to an affair b/c he's so patriotic? He said that too. Maybe he's talked himself into it. I found him either dishonest or delusional.
Do you really think he would want the investigation into him by the FBI to be headed by someone who feels about him the way he felt about Trump?
I believe everyone else who were outed as to their bias in the investigation is now out of the FBI (perhaps others were demoted). I hate people losing their jobs during scandals and I don't know that he acted on his bias - I don't care - no one who hated Clinton or Trump, or was so determined that either won or that the winner be impeached, can be on an investigation into either of them.
2
So by the Republican led congressional definition of "bias" since we all have opinions, no judge, lawyer, police officer or other public servant can objectively do their jobs. By this measure, Republican Congressmen can't really represent all of their constituents because they are members of the Republican party and are biased against the Democrats in their respective districts and would be unable to effectively govern. This is so transparent it makes one head spin. They're trying to suggest the entire investigation into Russia meddling in our election and possible cooperation by those in Trump's orbit is not a valid inquiry because Mr. Strzok didn't care much for Donald Trump, an opinion shared by the majority of American voters. But they can't present evidence that this FBI agent did anything to impact the investigation or election except text his girlfriend about it. Their behavior at yesterday's hearing was an extension of the obstruction of justice Mr. Trump began early on and was embraced by the GOP. It's on the threshold of treason. All of the people in the DOJ and the FBI are Trump appointees and all Republicans but they'd like to convince the nation a shadow government exists and is operated by Democrats intent on removing Trump for things that actually took place but the White House now denies in spite of the evidence already known even without Robert Mueller's findings. Be afraid. Be very afraid because the rule of law is now meaningless to the GOP.
22
Peter Strzok is a true American patriot.
I wish we had many more like him, especially in Congress.
Vote Democratic on November 6th.
Every seat, every office.
Changing Congress is our best hope.
Vote.
28
I think that at this point one could be justified to speak of a second Civil War currently happening in the United States.
Just as in the Cold War, and as damaging. It is extraordinary to see such a great country being undone from the inside, slowly but inexorably, like with a poison. Which is, by the way, the weapon of choice of Russia, as we recently saw in England.
45
People, including FBI agents, in America is entitled to their own opinions - and they can certainly change their opinions from time to time for that matter - so long as they do not allow their personal opinions affect their job performance. There is no indication Mr Strzok has allowed his opinion about Trump affect him in any ways
29
As I watched some of the agent”s testimony, and, then, the questioning, I was reminded of the Stalin show trials of the 1930’s. The types of questions were very similar, I.e. the questioner makes a sweeping state,ent of accusation, but, phrases it as a question.
This hearing is supposed to be an investigation, not a trial. Yet, the Republicans are conducting exactly as a trial. We now have not only a President who,is out of control, we also,have a major political party which is intent on expanding and on abusing its power.
50
After watching the important excerpts of the hearing I feel comfortable having a man like Mr. Strzok guarding this country and its citizens. His confidence, toughness and succinct testimony give confidence to the institution that protects this nation.
35
Fearing the determined silence of the Mueller investigation, and the refusal of the President to aggressively pursue the truth of Russia's participation (or not) in our elections(s) - all is reduced to the absurd comedy (tragedy) which we (and the world) are witnessing. Reality TV at its very worst!!
14
From a political standpoint l love the fact that the GOP lawmakers allegiance to DJT and putin is on public display. Acts and words that are now part of the public and Congressional record.
These are acts and words they cannot take back or change.
Yesterday will go down as one of the worst days in GOP Congressional hearing history and that is a tough bar to reach!
Vote for the government you want in starting in November!
40
Yes, it’s obvious that Trump is a Russian agent and a traitor, because he behaves like one. He should never have been elected.
Yes, it’s obvious that Trump is a Russian agent and a traitor and should never have been elected president. The texts are right!
A foreign adversary meddled in our democracy and the GOP Congress are railing into this career professional who clearly has devoted service to our country. It is disgusting. Who lies more? Who has more to lose? This agent or POTUS?
What can be worse than a party complicit in destroying the integrity of our intelligence agencies?
I am still going to have faith that the truth will reign. It is getting harder but what else is there.
34
Well done, Pete. And well done, congressmen and women.
It is imperative that all the world knows what an angry seething mess this is. It is a Free Press that will allow us to
work through this, and facilitate the nastiest example of a family therapy case that this psychologist has ever seen in 40 years of practice.
17
Thank you to Peter Strozok for being a Patriot and doing your job. I salute you.
32
Just wondering if treason is a capital crime?
I can’t think of a more appropriate fate for all who conspire and support the continuing Putin Russia incursion to undermine our national security. Allies of Putin they are, every last one.
Definitely no shame or decency anywhere in the Republican party.
24
Congressman Goodlatte is lucky he found a job where character and intelligence apparently don't matter.
52
Paranoia is regarded as indicating a condition of mental disease, particularly a feature that is apparent in a person that says the FBI is watching them, following them, listening to their thoughts, out to get them. We are lying to ourselves if we deny the fear that erupted in the country after 9/11. We now look upon each other from either side of the same mental divide between reason and the irrational, trust and suspicion, truth and superstition. We have turned away from the workbench of democracy and bicker with each other. We are leaderless.
4
Once again the GOP over played its hand and ended up on the wrong side of the facts.
As long as they chase HRC the Dems win. Every time.
In the meantime Dems and independents will keep in touch with the will of the American people and take back our democracy and country one election at a time.
Vote in November!
17
This is what confuses me: if bias is a disqualifying characteristic, why does it not disqualify the president?
Further, according to the Republican lawmakers’ thought-pattern, each of them better hope that all emergency rooms are staffed, 24/7, with a full complement of both Democratic and Republican medical teams. Otherwise, bias would prevent these professionals from administering appropriate diagnostic testing and therapeutic care to patients who do not share the medical teams’ political proclivities.
25
The man who should have been interrogated is the man who saw nothing, heard nothing and did nothing. Jim Jordan from Ohio let an abuser continue his criminal activities and he closed his eyes. What a brave man spewing his conspiracy theories all afternoon. M. Strzok slammed a home run and the Republicans left the room crying defeat.
24
I'm disgusted by what I witnessed today. This day will be one of those days that will be looked back upon as example of the slow rot of our Republic created by Republicans. While time will cause the Republican stain to fade, the mark they left will be an indelible low point of our nation's history.
25
Good Lord, Louie Gohmert on Oversight, that one can't even tie shoelaces!
34
Loved watching someone finally stand up to this criminal regime.
26
So, the way I see it, the Republicans are screaming foul, when no proof exists, or is likely to surface.
On the other hand, Democrats are being accused of wrong-doing as the (Reublican led - Mueller) investigation into what could, let’s face it, loom as large as other deep insults to our frayed republic.
Just call me #sleeplessinphilly
4
The Republicans are now Trumpites and as such, support Putin and the destruction of the rule of law and the institutions that made our Country great. They need to go. They’ve sold out to a despot. This Agent is correct.
14
At 60 years old, just when I think as a Nation, as a society, as human beings, we can sink no lower, Representative Louie Gohmert Republican of Texas, proves there is likely no bottom to how low we can go as a Nation.
This video is a sad window into the rot we have become as a people.
Michael Bain
Glorieta, New Mexico
32
Um, the proof is in the texts, plain as day.
6
Strzok is a person, and a person has personal opinions. Strzok is a professional, and a professional by definition doesn't let simple opinions undercut his judgement. There is no proof his political opinions altered what he did or did not do in his professional capacity.
8
And the refutation is in the IG report which came down mightily hard on Strozk, yet found no that his opinions improperly affected the case. Try again numpty
And... guy is a career military Offiice Rand FBI agent completely cleared by inspector general. He shared the opinion of the 68 Million Americans— a 3 million majority who voted against Trump, so what. Where did you serve your country and what have you contributed? A vote for Trump is a vote for Putin - -
Congressional Republicans are a disgrace to our nation. Why are they so intent on aiding and abetting Trump in harming the FBI and in what may found to be treason?
19
It doesn't take much to stray from the right path. How do you know a man who lied to his wife is not telling lies to the inquiry committee?
He did show his pro-Clinton-bias. He should retire into oblivion.
4
Are you referring to Donald J. Trump? I am in total agreement with you there. However, he still needs to stand trial for his numerous criminal activities.
12
Incredible. Yet you have no qualms with nor question the integrity of the POTUS who is known to have had multiple affairs with women while married?
Watching this makes me sick. I wasn’t alive during the McCarthy years but it couldn’t have been worse.
13
That says it all. With today's dishonest partisan attacks on Mr. Strzok, who is by all accounts a smart and competent public servant, their clear intent is to create an actual witch hunt that will further their sabotage of the Republican Mr. Mueller's investigation, on behalf of this manifestly unfit inept president. This behavior tells us that the House Republicans believe the president is guilty of conspiring with Russia to undermine our democratic elections. But what is their response? They abandon their Constitutional oversight duties and protect the traitor.
8
The republicans are pathological projectors like Trump. They accuse others of things they are guilty of. They call the Mueller investigation a witch hunt, and now have created a real witch hunt. They give themselves away every single time. Their performance was comedy gold however, and I can't wait to watch late night comedy tonight.
8
It was a circus designed to appease Trump's base and Trump himself.
8
I was surprised when I discovered the depths of Trump's depravity and his dependence on Russia and Russian money (I take the amount of corroboration the Steele Document has since gotten, to be proof enough), and then I felt naïve for being surprised by it.
Now, hearing in alternate sources that there may be Russian money funneled through the NRA to the GOP, again that combination of surprise and disgust.
Surprised, that covering up something like that could even possibly be the motive for this unconscionable, McCarthyesque attack on Strzok. For enabling the most dangerous and anti-American president president in memory.
This is so bad it's mind-numbing.
17
Agent Struck is guilty of nothing more than being human and having an opinion. There seems to be no proof that he acted improperly using any bias, nothing but private texts. However, the hearing today exposed the GOP in congress of extraordinarily unprofessional bias. They are an embarrassment to the nation, and surely their electorate.
12
I had the opportunity to watch this attempted lynching. It was evident, and sad, to listen to the Republican members reading from the craftily re-written David Nunes version of the IG report and FOX News talking points. Small wonder Mr. Strzok kept stating their version of the IG report was incorrect. Should there be consequences for his lack of judgement; yes. Should he become the scapegoat for an openly callous and corrupt president; no.
11
Why so much media attention to a "non-story? To show how unhinged Republican Congressmen and women are? Or how righteous they are? News media is simply obsessed with emails and tweets. First years of Clinton emails, now Strozok. Nothing burgers, as we suffer at the hands of foreign and big money influence in politics. It should be clear that in the media world, any news is "good" for media, but not always for the public. For the public, regardless of the truth behind content, emotions will transmit a real message. What is the "look" behind these pseudo hearings? That Mr. Gowdy appeared unhinged, or powerful? Mr. Strzok, honest, or dishonest? Its all optics. The media is complicit. News media would be better off concentrating on real news, rather than salacious gossip news. The story is over already. Next?
6
Because this is what our government is wasting its time with. This is what the Congressional cabal seems important. They asked for it. So the media gave it to them; attention that revealed all their flaws.
2
Note that FBI agents have the same right to hold political views as any other citizen. Does having political views preclude anyone from employment at the FBI? I would hope not. Holding political views of any kind is a fundamental right of citizenship that should not be taken away from anyone.
13
There were so many ways in which the hearing was wrong. 9 hours with no new information but no hearings on other important issues. The level of questioning was unprofessional and the attempt to undermine our law enforcement agencies corrosive to our democracy. The most important moments demonstrated that the Republican members cannot hold two concepts in juxtaposition: one can do inappropriate things and also still be a good FBI agent. To paint his whole mission and the mission of the FBI because of this is irresponsible. This kind of dualism is simplistic and dangerous. The agent's words will ring in my ears. Interesting that he was the Mr. Smith in this scenario. A flawed, but patriotic man.
7
Lordy, I hope Louie Gohmert saves some self-righteous indignation for questioning Former Government Insider Rudy Guiliani about who passed him the information that a Plan 'A' (Comey talks about more emails) or a Plan 'B' (someone connected to NY FBI Office exposes more emails) WOULD OCCUR -- THEN 3 DAYS LATER PLAN 'A' DID OCCUR!
Also, pretty sure, Louie Gohmert is due a parade sponsored by Russia for their appreciation of his steadfast support of their candidate - Donald J Trump.
And the Leaving-Government-Before-I'm-Voted-Out Trey Gowdy surely has endless tales about emails, Benghazi, and now the FBI --- that he can rant-on for decades! Caution: Do Not Operate Equipment After Reading Trey Gowdy's Book.
12
Are there people who think the FBI agent's assessment of trump was inaccurate??
12
History repeating itself:
"Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party of the United States?"
McCarthy Communism Witch Hunt Revisited - 1940's-1950's
Demeaning, forming friendship with Russia, rounding up people, bashing your friendly country, policies for the party-dedicated people to the Republican Party, and so forth.
Nazi Germany - 1932-1948
10
As a family we sat down to watch the telecast of this hearing tonight. It became clear as Reps Gaudy and Jordan completed their ‘interrogations’ that they were simply bad actors who could have played crazed underlings in a Shakespeare play. This was no legitimate inquiry but a display of inept acting.
As thoughtful American audience members, we are tired of the bad faith efforts of Republicans in our Congress. We do not respect that they are wasting our time and the resources of their offices.
Republicans are no longer conducting government “of, by and for the people’ and we are looking forward in our fall elections to sweeping them out of office. Let’s see which lobbying houses these Republicans land jobs in, they daily demonstrate they are not fit for office. Wait two years, they will all be running for president along side Paul Ryan. Their future problem is no one will forget this treasonous behavior against the American Justice Department.
31
Anyone who purports to be serving this country and who is not "seething with contempt for Mr. Trump and his supporters" is suppressing or incapable of rational thought.
31
Under Trump our government has degenerated into mob rule. Only the name of the Republican party is left.
14
Gowdy, was not only outsmarted today but his preconceived conclusions were laid bare. No amount of shouting or staring on national TV will give him credibility. Not an ounce.
21
The committee chairperson abused his power with flagrant violations of parliamentary procedure. Roberts Rules of Order were designed to preserve the right of the minority opinion to be heard and considered. This committee meeting was a charade.
18
So Mueller removes Strozk because he felt that this appeared biased and he doesn't want the appearance of bias. But the Republicans are called crazy because they are saying this looks like bias. Is it that he appeared too biased for Mueller but not too biased for congress? I don't get it.
6
Mueller’s investigation is so delicate, there’s no room for doubt or the appearance of bias. So he took extreme precaution by removing Strzok altogether.
But Strzok’s actions have been deemed unbiased in nature. His own opinions, behind closed doors, were not impacting actual measures taken. That’s all that really matters (his actions).
We ALL, as humans, have opinions, whether we text them to our mistress or not.
21
Mueller got rid of him to avoid the appearance of impropriety. If we followed that standard, the entire Trump administration would have to step down.
21
So it is OK for a lifelong card carrying member of the Republican Party and an open supporter of Trump to be a "neutral" supreme court judge who can literally decide the fate of the country, but it is no OK to have an FBI employee with his own political views!
37
What if the Supreme court nominee texted he hated the 'smell' of the ghetto and they were all clinton supporters? What if this same Supreme court nominee said to his 'mistress,' also heavily influential, that he would do "anything" to block clinton from becoming president?
You would truly call this his 'political views"? You would truly think this was totally ok?
This has *nothing* to do with a person who is simply Dem or Republican. THis has to do with a man in a high position of power who represents everyone saying *in writing* how he loathed half the population, holds contempt for the lower classes to the extent that they 'smell', and would do everything he could to block a presidential nominee.
If you can't see this you are just as biased as he is. It's irrelevant how Republicans are acting, just as it would be irrelevant (and is) how Dems react to, say, accusations about Trump.
1
It is about time that someone dressed down that contemptible Trey Gowdy and other members of the most cowardly Republican delegation in American history. What else do they have to do to deny their own contempt for candidate Trump, let alone now as President Trump. How low do they have to abase themselves in their fear of Trump's base? Of course government employees have political opinions and in my view so much the better if they are strong. The FBI agent did a very good job of defending the maligned agency and the admirable and dangerous work they do and was very reassuring that a biased agent alone cannot influence the agency. His appearance was reassuring that the agency is not in the hands of wimps.
14
"You need your medications!" the congresswoman told Gohmert today.
Peter Strzok spoke passionately and convincingly to defend the FBI, himself, and the investigation. He was brilliant and tough, a true professional who has the confidence that comes from his more than 20 years in the FBI and his previous position as Chief of the Counterespionage division. He knows Russia. He knows Russian machinations, and like most national security experts before the election, he also knew that Trump was unfit.
The personal post that caused the most controversy came the night that Trump attacked a Gold Star family viciously. But Strzok also criticized Hillary Clinton and Bernie in his private emails and favored Kasich. Someone's political beliefs are their right as an American, and the IG cleared him of any bias in the investigation.
These Republican hearings that attack the FBI are increasingly bizarre. From a party that claimed to be law and order to one that seems to be doing Putin's will is a big decline.
Trey Gowdy seems to be auditioning for a judgeship, Goodlatte was absurd, and Gohmert criticizing the agent's "smirk" and personal life while he has ignored Trump's many affairs, and all the others seem to be characters now.
I'm not sure if they fit the roles of the Lord High Executioner who has his little list in Gilbert and Sullivan, or a Monty Python skit, "Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!"
19
According to republicans, everyone in the government MUST love Dear Leader or they're unable to perform their jobs. This is truly scary.
22
The Republicans could have made their points in a civil tone of voice and they would have had more weight. There was clearly bias and it probably did color the investigation to some degree but instead of calmly and inexorably making their case the GOP sounded as if they had all come down with rabies.
11
I haven't owned a television set since 1995 (the last nine of which I've spent living in Italy), so I've managed to miss many of the spectacles that have unfolded in DC in recent years. Much to my surprise, I was able to watch nearly all of Peter Strzok's grilling on Thursday.
I was dumbstruck by the unpatriotic behavior displayed by many of the Republican elected officials in the room. Such blatant bullying and willful ignorance of what they should be concerned about left me reeling with disgust and despair.
" 'What does Trump support smell like?' Representative Robert Goodlatte of Virginia, the Judiciary Committee chairman, asked, referring to one message in which Mr. Strzok wrote that he could 'SMELL' Trump supporters in a southern Virginia Walmart."
I can't speak for those folks, but as for many of the Trump supports in the room on Thursday, it was crystal clear.
They stink.
22
Anyone who doesn't believe Strzok isn't severely biased needs to conduct this little exercise: Imagine Strzok's writing these things about Obama and then actively managing an effort that involved Obama. Farfetched, yes, but it appears people cannot be honest with themselves when it involves Trump.
6
If he was biased, why did he not leak the existence of the investigation before the election. is the current Secretary of Energy Rick Perry a danger to our country because he stated in 2015 Trump was a cancer to the Republican Party? What Strock said is nog different than what scores of Republicans said, including Ted Cruz, back in 2016.
12
Louie Gohmert’s slobbering about marital infidelity while kissing Trump’s rear was especially poignant. Jim Jordan too. Gowdy is the definition of a hypocrite.
In America you don’t have to like a candidate. All these guys spent plenty of time badmouthing candidates.
1
The Republicans have until fall or the end of the Mueller investigation to build a wall around Trump. A fake conspiracy wall that they hope will convince the simpleminded that the president has done nothing wrong. But is this wise? Maybe the president will be exonerated but the way the Republicans are lashing out it appears that even they don't really believe he's an innocent victim.
11
How about interviewing Nunez and ask him about his dealings with Trump? This is going to lead to a lot of confidential informants being outed and the security of the US affected. The Trump family continues to make money and the corruption continues. Ryan and McConnell will leave the country vulnerable and Russians must be celebrating. The did not shoot a single bullet -
10
I have suspected for some time that Trump was not the only beneficiary of Russian election meddling in 2016 and that down ballot Republicans may have also received some help and they are terrified of this truth coming out.
After watching today’s fiasco you have to wonder if the motivation behind all of these hysterics is a fear of losing their seats or maybe something worse. Why are they so desperate to derail Mueller’s investigation instead of just allowing it to move forward and let the chips fall where they may?
After having done basically nothing to confront Putin, an eight member Republican only delegation visited Russia this past July 4th where they embarrassed themselves by kissing the feet of Russian politicians and where Rep. Richard Shelby shamelessly pleaded with them about how “we don’t need to be adversaries”. This only contributes to my belief that they are more deeply involved in this than we may currently know.
I hope we will get to the bottom of all of this because none of this is normal and this is simply not how innocent people who really want to know the truth behave.
29
Last month, Trey Gowdy said that the Mueller investigation should be allowed to proceed. Now he's an attack dog trying to hurt it. Someone apparently got to him and threatened his post-Congressional job prospects.
15
If there is no fire, why all this smoke?
In fact, it's a really big fire, because its cost is our democracy.
7
Bias is a "preconceived" opinion about someone. Strzok hadn't even interviewed Trump, and, yet, he wanted to stop him from becoming president. He hadn't interviewed Clinton when he decided she wasn't guilty because he wanted to help her become president.
I certainly don't want my tax dollars going to an FBI employee who believe he has a right to decide who should and shouldn't be president.
2
Like any other private citizen he expressed private thoughts to someone with whom he had a personal relationship. That doesn’t mean he didn’t do his job. Mr. Strzok‘s only mistake was in putting his thoughts in writing.
7
ERT -- We need to be careful with the idea that putting our thoughts in writing is akin to criminal activity. If that is the case, there are a whole lot of us on those pages who would be in big trouble. Better to get rid of the "gotcha" culture overall, since it promotes attacks from all corners, on all people.
You mean like the FBI agents who forced Comey into reopening the Clinton investigation with threats of leaks? Like those agents?
I watched about 2 hours. The conduct of the Republicans I watched was disgraceful and frankly unAmerican. Many had no questions for Strzok, but simply harangued him for 5 minutes or longer. When they did ask questions, they interrupted Strzok frequently and sometimes didn't let him answer at all. They often repeated the same question over and over when they didn't get the answer they wanted. They threatened him with criminal sanctions when he wouldn't answer questions he was directed by his supervisors not to answer. And--- without any pretense at being relevant to the investigation--- they went after him personally about his wife and the fact he was having an affair.
It was all in an effort to show that the FBI would have recommended prosecution of Hillary Clinton for her email server and would not have opened an investigation into Russian interference in our election (and possible collusion with the Trump campaign)--- had it not been for the bias of Strzok.
If there is any justice on this earth, these republican congressmen will one day be on the receiving end of this kind of kangaroo court questioning.
21
How dare Mr Strzok and Ms. Page not like Donald Trump? How dare they share their revulsion at Trump's vileness?
The Republicans have produced no evidence that Mr. Strzok's and Ms. Page's personal views worked to Trump's detriment in 2016.
I imagine it would be hard to make that case when the FBI -- many of whose agents the Bureau's own Inspector General characterized as working in "Trumpland," harboring a deep antipathy for Hillary Clinton -- arguably threw the election to Trump by reopening its investigation of Secretary Clinton just eleven days before the election, while keeping its probe of Trump's multiple Russia ties tightly under wraps.
It's not enough to steal the presidential elections of 2000 and 2016 and Merrick Garland's Supreme Court seat. All dissent must be crushed, all truth inverted. Wait, is that the National Anthem of the Soviet Union I hear playing in the background?
21
I watched Gowdy. I also watched a bit of Goodlatte, Gohmert, and Gosar (who, because he's a dentist, claimed he was good at "reading body language," though he couldn't remember the name of the Electoral College). Not one of them acted in a dignified manner, or even demonstrated a modicum of civil behavior. Not one of them made any attempt to determine anything new, i.e., to investigate. I did not see one single Republican who, in my opinion, belongs in Congress. These men are the dregs of the American political class and are not worthy of representing us.
20
Alberta:
Bias is a "preconceived" opinion about someone. Strzok hadn't even interviewed Trump, and, yet, he wanted to stop him from becoming president. He hadn't interviewed Clinton when he decided she wasn't guilty because he wanted to help her become president.
I certainly don't want my tax dollars going to an FBI employee who believe he has a right to decide who should and shouldn't be president.
2
You seem to think that Mr. Strzok made all decisions about who to interview on his own, as if he had no supervision. This, of course, is not the case. You’re also assuming his disgust with then-candidate Trump would affect his professionalism, which is insulting. There would have had to have been a vast conspiracy among many people at the FBI for what you’re suggesting to have been possible, which is ridiculous.
And copying and pasting the same message over and over isn’t advancing the discussion.
12
An investigation should, in the words of Sargent Joe Friday, be "Just the facts, Ma'am", and nothing else.
Peter Strzok is no Joe Friday, and the Mueller debacle is no investigation. At this point, it is actually helping Trump, who is using it as a rallying point in his endless fund raising efforts.
4
Since Mr Strzok was previously interviewed in a private hearing by these same legislators, they knew what kind of witness he is. One has to wonder why Republicans thought it was a good idea to let the rest of us know by airing this one on National television. Big mistake. Strzok was steady and earnest while too many of his questioners lost their cool, made ridiculous remarks, showed that they failed to read or understand the IG's report, were petty, etc. On top of that, by berating a respected FBI agent in order to try to bring down the Mueller investigation, Republicans showed a disregard for the rule of law. A gigantic comedy of errors.
10
Gowdy pale with flop sweat as he endlessly grilled Hillary Clinton and ended up looking like a fool was just as unimpressive today.
These guys have been breathing their own stink too long. Obnoxious and bullying.
1
Sadly America is on a fast track into the abyss and one can only feel the deepest sense of loss for a country we once were. I am embarrassed beyond belief.
10
After reading this article, viewing video of this hearing and then many of the comments here, this is what demagoguery looks and sounds like. It is abundantly clear that the Republicans used Russian and other countries assets to elect the grossly incompetent president. It is also abundantly clear that if the Democrats do not vote with muscular enthusiasm this fall, there may not be another chance to correct the path of this country. The deliberate misuse of power is not a warning.
10
I could not believe my eyes or my ears. I could not believe I was watching American representatives attack a witness and in so many ask him to name names of others who shared his political views. I could not believe that we have learned nothing since the days of McCarthyism. I could not believe any of it because it was too heartbreaking and too terrifying.
12
After watching Comey, Mueller and Strzok testify I am impressed by the caliber of people that rise through the ranks of the FBI.
Congress - not so much.
Conservatives - abandon all hope for the United States.
12
Blatant supplication and currying of favor will continue so long as those are core values supported by the Executive Branch or until such time as the people speak through their right to vote and rejigger the table.
2
It sounds like these Republicans attacking this man have given up on participating in a democratic nation and are merely trying out for Fox News jobs for when they are inevitably voted out of office.
The upcoming mid-terms are not the end of time. History will judge these moment when Republicans attacked the FBI, CIA, and other government agencies to defend a corrupt and deeply flawed president rather than defend our country from numerous cyber attacks by Russia on our, and other nation's, democracy.
There is no reason to even ask if they have no decency; their moral depravity is self evident.
10
The question isn't whether he or anyone else has a bias. It's whether one can objectively fault his professional decisions. There is broad consensus in the intelligence agencies that Russian interference happened. It is objectively a matter of national security and needs to be investigated. To suggest that such an investigation is politically motivated is outrageous.
5
This is just a suspicion, but here it is: that, at the Trump Tower meeting, copies of the HRC emails were simply provided to the Trumps on discs in an envelope. They could then arrange their drip-drip releases as needed. Any middleman to Assange would do. That would justify the meeting and its high-profile attendees. And it would explain why little was discussed. No need - the emails WERE the “dirt,” and they were the silent purpose of the meeting. It explains the quick release on Billy Bush Day. And it supports Assange’s claim that he didn’t get them from the Russians. Sadly, and cleverly, it’s unprovable if true. Except: it creates a great threat to Trump - the Russian attorney can leak the truth anytime.
2
"The best argument against democracy is a five minute conversation with the average voter." -Churchill.
Obviously, Churchill never watched the U.S. House of Representatives 'work' for five minutes.
5
What a waste of tax payers’ money; both the hearing and the so called representatives’ salaries! Since we pay for their cell phones, email accounts, etc. the we need to demand that all members of Congress make their texts, etc. available for public examination. I doubt very much that any of the members of the GOP would want to do this.
In addition this fiasco serves as one of many examples as to why Congress and the Supreme Court should have term limits.
4
Honestly, I was stupefied by what I saw today. However, what I want to know is have we, as a nation seen enough already?
I wish Strzok had asked Trey Gowdy just exactly how compromised he is. If for no other reason than to just gauge the reaction from him and the rest of the Republican Inquisition.
3
This administration has consistently shown a dedication to crumbling any legitimacy of national institutions. Common respect for those who legitimately work to keep us safe is disappearing from the top. The leader of this country who has not worked for anything bigger than his own interests, is now systematically inspiring a denigration of those who have. Any dignity as a country will have to be rebuilt from the ground up.
8
When one of the Republican inquisitors brought up the issue of the strain in the relationship between Peter Strzok and his partner, I immediately thought of the strain in the relationships between Trump and his ex wives. I also thought of the ongoing issues with Trump paying $130,000 for the silence of Stormy Daniels, just before the US election. The sanctimonious tones of the Republicans belonged in the time of the Inquisition, where the Inquisitor’s views were accepted as facts, and bullying was allowed.
Inquisition is the correct term where the Republicans give their version of a fair hearing, which is immediately followed by a instant ruling and an execution carried out, before the ink has dried on their findings.
The Republicans are expert at finding an issue, then blowing it up out of all proportion, to absolve their many shortcomings.
The real issue is that Trump and the GOP continue to undermine the CIA, FBI, DOJ and the Mueller investigations for purely political reasons. Party over country best describes the Republicans and their search for deflection from the ongoing Mueller investigations.
5
This is an interesting study in bias. Those who are outraged that a Congressman would bring up Strzok's extra--marital affair, have no problem bringing up Trumps marriages. We have little hope that this will be productive because we have no one who cares about principle over party.
4
It's not outrage over the fact that the affair was brought up, but the glaring, shameless hypocrisy shown on their part
1
The hypocrisy is on both sides. You only see one.
The spin is now that he has a right to his personal opinions. He does. I am sure all FBI agents have personal opinions. Why don't we have anyone else's texts with their vulgar language and political opinions? Maybe it is because other agents kept it off FBI/Government devices and on their own time. Maybe other FBI agents didn't write compromising texts about the subjects of investigations the way this man did. Maybe they followed policy and ethics rules. This man didn't. That says a lot about him and his claim of unbiased actions.
Decades from now when historians chart the decline of America as a world power, blame will fall squarely in the hands of the Republican Party and the oligarchs that control it.
The GOP is destroying our democratic institutions, perverting our values, and undermining its place the the community of nations.
7
There are many fields of work in which one must separate personal from professional feelings, because of the commitment to the ethics that are integral to those jobs, Not new, not more complicated than that. The motive for the Republican's attempt to take this fact and denigrate the larger investigation is transparent. They apparently know no shame.
2
Republican Star Chamber on full display.
Disgraceful!
Defending our cowardly bully in chief and supporting his dangerous blundering will land us all in the soup, sooner rather than later.
The truth matters. These toadies and looters and their enablers and dupes are a bad or sad bunch.
14
Just as well Trey Gowdy is departing after that disgraceful piece of third rate theatre. Any shred of credibility he may have had after his Benghazi fiasco was blown to smithereens. He said "Whatever skills I may have are better utilized in a courtroom than in Congress, and I enjoy our justice system more than our political system," Oh really. If a position as judge is what he's seeking it would appear he's modeled himself on Roland Freisler. What a spectacle. What a hack.
28
I worked for a federal agency for many years on projects I didn't personally agree with, including responding to public administrative appeals of those projects. At no point-I repeat, no point--did I let those opinions prevent me from representing the government's interests. I turned over every stone, viewed every source in the administrative record I could find to help defend the government's position, even though I did not agree with the project. Yes--you can have personal opinions and still do an unbiased job.
32
“Let me be clear, unequivocally and under oath: Not once in my 26 years of defending my nation did my personal opinions impact any official action I took.”
If Mr. Strzok really believes that, then my own conclusion is that he’s sadly deluded. I don’t believe it’s true of ANY law enforcement professional, it’s not true of any judge, right up to Supreme Court associate justices. We are who we are, and we don’t put our identities, our strongest convictions, away in a freezer bag and ice them for decades just to do our jobs.
Despite the emails that smacked more of bias against Trump that MIGHT have motivated action than anything unearthed as yet that proves a charge of cahooting by Trump’s campaign with Russians, despite the affair, I had a lot of sympathy for Strzok before I read that statement. Now it just sounds like a lot of noise that we get regularly from liberals who claim that they’re balanced and rational when they attack conservatives with truly outrageous venom simply because some don’t genuflect before a liberal, statist burning bush, which – after all – is the only “truth” that can be.
Something odd here. It might not have been the devious resolve to destroy a president that congressional Republicans charge, but I don’t believe it was fair and balanced, either.
7
A text message is not an email. It's short, meant to be temporary, and often personal.
11
Susan:
Uh … so?
I agree that everyone is biased. But before I can be convinced that a particular person's bias has influenced his professional behavior, I need to see more evidence than "I think it did". To borrow a phrase from my fellow Americans in Missouri: show me. Show me the specific actions committed or omitted that were based on this agent's personal biases. That then shall be the start of the conversation.
And when it comes to noise being generated...
1
Thank you, Peter Strzok--you are a true patriot and hero as a citizen, as an American, and as a member of the FBI. Stay strong. We need you. You said the things that needed to be said--and that will be remembered--long after the craven ego-driven cowardly Republicans who treated you with contempt and disrespect have been turned out of office and become shameful footnotes in America's history.
78
Ann,
Peter Strzok would not be allowed to serve as a juror. I am sorry that you see him as a hero, but he is a crooked cop. BTW, I voted for Hillary.
I can't recall a U.S. member of Congress anywhere near the thug that Congressman Dennis Ross, a Florida Republican, revealed himself to be today. He was questioning Peter Strzok, deputy assistant FBI director. Question after question -- with one itty bitty problem: Ross never allowed Strzok to complete the answers to Ross's own questions. A perfect demonstration of bullying incompetence. I don't expect Ross to display the maturity or dignity of apologizing for his loud, thug-like behavior. That wouldn't be Congressman Ross. That wouldn't be today's sorry Trump Republican Party.
58
An ugly piece of theatre from the Republican punks on the hill trying to look tough. It was truly pathetic. Mr Strzok, thank you for the outstanding service you have given to this country over your many years at the FBI. You did not deserve this treatment. Good luck to you in the future.
120
I know. I kept wanting Strzok to leap up and yell 'Of course I didn't like Trump! I was a Republican!' But I guess he has to do his job.
The Republicans seem to be getting at a narrative that goes something like this: Strzok had clear personal bias (which is true) against then-candidate Trump, which makes it literally impossible that he was able to set aside any such bias while acting in an official capacity. Moreover, there appears to be a steadfast implication in their questions that Strzok definitely wanted to do something to hurt the Trump campaign, that he absolutely would do so, and that he likely did.
If Peter Strzok had been so politically craven and ethically bereft as to actually attempt to damage Donald Trump's chances of winning the election, he only needed to make a phone call. He only would have needed to contact one journalist and say the following: "I'm an FBI agent, and you can confirm that independently. The FBI is currently investigating whether Trump and/or his subordinates colluded with Russia to carry out a mostly-online misinformation campaign to sow chaos and spread misinformation beneficial to Trump in an effort to influence the outcome of the election in his favor. We have confirmed that the misinformation campaign exists, that it has been going on for over a year, and is being perpetrated as we speak. Follow the memes."
As far as I'm concerned, Strzok definitively didn't do quite literally the only thing he actually could have done to torpedo the Trump campaign in an individual capacity.
54
The Republicans must be voted out of office in November. It is imperative that the word gets out to every American who wants to see our democracy survive. Do not vote for any Republican for any office. Period.
92
It seems that Gowdy, Gohmert et al find it impossible to believe that someone can put their personal feelings aside in order to do a job with unbiased integrity. I wonder why? Lawyers, cops, doctors, teachers, librarians, bus drivers, soldiers, clerks, store owners etc etc... do this all the time. It was interesting to watch Gowdy haranguing Strzok about bias. Did he practice front of a mirror?
50
What a rogues' gallery of disingenuous, third-rate thespians. Thank god I had to go out or I would have watched more of it than I did. If these guys in the majority (and they all seemed to be guys) represent us, we appear to be doomed. The most interesting question I'm left with is how does Strzok decompress after a day of that. He showed heroic restraint.
64
Many agree with the republicans not only in deed and thought but in the mode of hostility shown in this particular hearing and many others . That’s the real problem as uncomfortable as it is to admit it .
23
This was must see TV. I literally ran out of popcorn - twice!
But TBH, the GOP simply wanted to hear themselves berate and admonish Strzok aloud - loud enough so Trump could hear them all the way in the UK.
We had shouting, insults, finger pointing and we even had a dentist who was skilled in the fine art of reading body language. Even more unusual, Jim Jordan's obsession with Strzok, and his endless search for additional questioning opportunities, buying 5 min slots from whomever would provide them.
I must say, I was thoroughly impressed with how Strzok was able to defend himself, figuratively shackled, staying calm even in the face of professional AND PERSONAL belittling whilst given no chance to reply.
Personal highlight? Rep Gerry Connolly reading a string of brutally critical emails, all castigating Trump - ALL from fellow GOP. That was amazing.
The GOP brand - even with Trump at the helm - has once again reached all new lows in decorum and new highs in absurdities.
73
I watched about 5 hours on and off of today's hearing. As a retired teacher of 41 years teach Govt. and Politics and Am. History to high school juniors and seniors, I have never been as disgusted, shameful, and embarrassed by the actions of Congress. All those things I taught those kids over the years were completely demolished by this committee and their treatment of their witness. Those committee members from the right were not hesitant to taunt and disparage the answers of their witness. Attacks on his credibility and honestly constantly from the right. Why are these so-called leaders so afraid to ask their own president the same types of questions with the same tone of hostility and doubt? Because they are afraid. Afraid of the wrath of Trump and the fear of losing financial gains from Trump's pack of donors and lobbyists. To any of my former students who might have watched some of this hearing today I apologize. This is not what I taught you about the way it is supposed to work. Please forgive me and hope we can some day soon get back to the type of government we all want and need.
88
Really this spectacle is so like a Soviet era show trial in all its basic elements...some of these Republican Congress people need to be held responsible in November for abusing their committee powers so flagrantly. At this point two people know exactly what happened...Robert Mueller and Donald Trump, but we will all know soon.
36
The irony of this circus today is not just plainly obvious, but absurdly so. Republicans lambasted Strzok for allowing his bias to influence his behavior with respect to an important investigation. Yet, is this hearing not also characterized as an investigation, with its own chairman emphasizing in his final remarks its importance?
So, by their logic, should not every member of the committee, both Republican and Democrat, have recused themselves, because I saw not a single one who put aside their bias in pursuit of truth. This level of hypocrisy would be laughable if it weren’t so horribly destructive.
To rewrite a phrase from a Woody Allen movie expressing an analogous sentiment, if the founding fathers came back and saw what was being done in the name of democracy, they would not stop throwing up.
22
What I loved about this is that after he read off all of the donations, he called it an “overwhelming” number of members of the investigation team who had donated to Democratic candidates yet, virtually in the same breath, said that it was 9 members out of 16. That’s 56%. 56% is an overwhelming number? Really?
26
Given that most people make no donations at all, 9 out of 16 is a high proportion.
1
Unfortunately, with the numbers presented we don't even have half the story. What year(s) are these donations from? How many people donated to republican or other candidates? (Not everyone goes straight party line state to national.) How much do the candidates donated to differ in political history (voting patterns, for example) from republican candidates in the same races?
Trying to use this number as part of evidence to prove bias is simply misleading.
NOTE: I didn't watch any of this, so if any of these questions are answered, it would be great if someone would let me know and describe how the information was responded to. I'm going of OP's statement.
I disagree, I don’t know of anybody who doesn’t make a financial, or a consideration in kind, contribution to a political organization. But the question was never asked about Republican contributions.
It is deeply disheartening to know that our country is being governed by the Republicians whose character and hypocrisy were so apparent today. In order to "protect" their (and only their) President they have no reluctance to adopt the practice of repeated and blatant falsehoods in an effort to discredit a good American. Sure, Strzok made several human mistakes, but there is no doubt that his heart is in the right place. The "hearing" today was a circus that was more like the show trial of an autocratic regime than an effort to make any real inroads on the issues. Putin must be very proud of the seeds he has sown in the Republican caucus. I am truly embarrassed to be an American.
109
The Republicans use these hearings as a weapon and Trey Gowdy is their lead pit bull, back again for more meat after barking at Hillary Clinton for eleven hours (and getting bested by her, of course). The result is that the usefulness and credibility of such hearings as a fact-finding tool is destroyed.
In general the Republicans are blithely willing to stomp on institutions and agencies and principles and governmental conventions for short term political gain. Do none of them have children and/or grandchildren who will live in this country that they are tearing down today? It's outrageous.
79
Perhaps even more galling is the Republicans willingness to carve up their very selves. They will immediately eviscerate life-long Republicans who dare to challenge anything that their party has done improperly or illegally. And to cover their tracks from their party faithful, they will label those life-long Republicans as being liberal Democrats!
3
The definition of "bias" includes the notion an opinion being "unfounded". It also implies an inappropriate action based on that opinion.
Simply having a negative opinion about Trump doesn't mean that Strzok took inappropriate action. He's entitled to an opinion, and to express it privately. He isn't entitled to presume the outcome of an investigation -- and there is no evidence that he did so.
Contrast that with the actions of the Republicans on the committee.. They have an excuse, not a reason, and they were vicious.
It is quite clear that this an effort to discredit Mueller's investigation -- and the only reason they would go to this trouble is because they think Trump is guilty and that Mueller's report will be irrefutable except by personal attack.
50
I am struck by the irony of hours of hearings berating the one man who absolutely had the power to destroy Trump's presidential candidacy either through a well-placed leak or a careless investigation- but through a sense of duty, and protection for the rule of law, did not.
The fact he felt Trump was a desperately dangerous and unqualified candidate makes his discretion even more admirable. The information he held to protect the integrity of the investigation is still largely secret. Today's foolish performers really should re-consider their characters' motivations.
205
The ability that the FBI gives one of its agents the absolute power to destroy anyone they wish if they choose to gives me more pause for thought than anything they may say in an email. And not doing so is more than exoneration and they are praised for not leaking? Suddenly I’m not so frightened of Russia anymore. Jason Bourne going rouge was bad enough, image if Strzok were to.
1
We better hope they have that power because, right now, they are the only ones protecting us from complete chaos.
It seems that Republicans in the House are as deathly afraid of the results from the Mueller team's investigations as Trump himself is. Why do you suppose that is?
39
Exactly! Thank-You
People certainly seem to have a certain degree of disfunction down there in Washington. Glad I live up here in the forgotten country where people generally get along and have a sense of perspective.
12
“No. No he won’t. We’ll stop it,” Mr. Strzok replied.
I remember using very similar words. During the primaries, I said, "don't worry the Republicans will stop him." The, during the general, I said, "don't worry we'll stop him."
It was never partisan, it was trust in the American people. I guess Strzok and I were both wrong.
58
I said exactly the same thing and am still stunned to this very day. I don’t know if my respect for this Country will ever recover. I’ve been following politics since I was teenager and Eisenhower was President. This absolutely breaks my heart.
8
It is indeed unfortunate that this agent and his former colleague expressed their opinions of Trump using their official govt e-mails. However, what is the big crime here? That they had a personal opinion? Apparently these Republican congressman - like Trump - do not want government workers to have personal opinions. Further, is it so inconceivable to these congressmen that public employees are professional enough to take their jobs seriously and conduct the business of government objectively? Perhaps we should bring in neurology specialists to see if they have become so accustomed to slander, bias and outright lies that their brains have been re-modeled. We talk about the effects of video games, drugs, iphones and any number of modern habits in remodeling the brain. Perhaps we need to conduct a study of the Congress to see if the constant rationalization of lies and half-truths has had some long-term cost upon THEIR ability to be objective and conduct the business of government. I would be willing to write the NIH grant to begin such a study! And I'm sure it would be interesting.
8
A lot of commenters need to be reminded that the question is NOT "Did he have bias?" OF COURSE HE DID. We ALL do. The question is, "Were any of his decisions based SOLELY on bias?"
22
No, that isn't the question at all. The question is whether any of his actions or decisions were in any way affected by his bias.
6
I watched the entire hearing. I don't think I'll ever vote again for a Republican candidate for Congress or President.
127
I'm frankly curious as to why the Republicans are so desperate to discredit the Mueller investigation. I've never seen anything like it and today was just the latest example. After all, if Trump is forced from office, the President will be their buddy Pence. And if Pence went down, Paul Ryan would be President. The Republicans would still control all branches of government.
There has to be something more to this. Each of the Republicans acts as if he is personally at risk in this investigation. One of the Democratic members of the committee referred to the GOP members as the "cover-up caucus" and I think that he was correct. They are hiding something that is bigger and more widespread than the Russians and the Trump campaign. We have Republican members of Congress spending July 4 in Moscow. We have reports of the Russians funneling millions to the Republicans through the NRA. They are hiding something and are scared to death that Mueller will find it. I hope that he finds it soon, for the good of the country. These people are a threat to our democracy and have to be removed.
180
I think it’s fear of the electorate finally turning on them?
1
I wish I could recommend this comment 100 times.
1
Every single politician in congress, the senate and the executive should have to show their 1040s. State governments too.
Graft doesn’t stop at the door of this putrid Putin loving White House.
1
Watched the so called hearing on MSNBC for most
of the time - and was just shocked at the chair who was so biased that he made the whole hearing a circus.
Is this the decline and fall of the GOP?
26
Strzok is the deep state on full display - contempt not only for the democratic process and the presidency, but now also for the very Congress he is testifying before.
How far we have fallen - and it isn't all due to and about Trump.
14
I sure hope common sense prevails wilts solid facts. The only Deep State, is Russia given the depths of its meddling in our elections.
4
There isn’t an organized “deep state” there are just a lot of normal sane human beings who individually recognize how absolutely awful Trump and his minions are and yes, work each in their own little way to minimize the damage they can do and work to save our country from their abuses.
2
I’d say he was pretty restrained in what his answers were. Contempt for this president and the republican members of Congress? What have they done to earn anyon s respect, they are totally corrupt
2
One thing is clear from today's hearing -- very few people and no Republicans on the committee understand what "bias" means. Having a negative opinion about someone is not bias. An opinion only becomes "bias" when you allow it to become a factor in an act or decision that must be based on law and fact. Actually, on some level they do understand it -- I am sure Trey Gowdy, who clearly has a negative opinion of Peter Strozk, would argue that he can still exercise Congressional oversight responsibilities without "bias". Although there was scant evidence of that today.
19
I watched the hearing and lost 20 IQ points.
The attack on the middle -class and federal bureaucracy was frightening. The gloves are off and my family is in peril.
The venom spewed forth at people like me who made the USA the wealthiest most powerful country on Earth is disheartening.
Almost all the Republicans seem divorced from reality Louie Gohmert was third in line on the cuckoo posse when he never before was worse than first.
It was riveting , it was an 80 car pileup in slow motion. It was a horror movie where you know the zombies have all the Trump cards.
Your country will be in my heart and prayers.
23
If we dispute law enforcement's ability to act without bias then our legal system collapses.
16
Career FBI, GSA, State and the other federal agencies - are among our most loyal patriots.
Highly intelligent and well educated - they dedicate their lives for the well being of our country and our citizens. Often for pay much reduced from what they could get in private sector.
FBI don’t have to do this work - they do it in order to protect all of us, and our democracy.
To attack this agent, in this manner - is to enlarge upon a very sinister and chilling atmosphere that exists under the current leadership.
27
With the passing of each of these spectacles staged in the House, it becomes more apparent that the interest of the Republican members hews to party, to personal interest, and to genuflecting to Trump, rather than to Republic, National Interest and the American People.
16
I don't know how to get a message to Mr. Strzok other then writing a comment here and hoping he will read it. I want to say this:
You did well today. You are an American patriot. I have full faith and confidence in any task you undertake to help this country.
68
Beautifully stated.
A lot of commenters need to be reminded that the question is NOT "Did he have bias?" OF COURSE HE DID. We ALL do. The question is, "Were any of his decisions based SOLELY on bias?" If you think the answer is "some must have" and you have any job whatsoever involving other humans, you must resign immediately.
7
Peter Strzok, stood his ground and answered questions with intelligence and honesty. He made me proud to be an American. I believe he should run for president.
19
Do the Republican accusations meet the criteria for 'specious' (superficially plausible, but actually wrong)? Are the so-called facts they present "misleading in appearance"?
These public servants, our representatives (of the people, by the people), are craftally bending & manipulating facts to mislead us, to give a president of the USA political cover and derail a legitimate FBI investigation. And they're doing it, by attempting to ruin an FBI agent, known for his professionalism.
No doubt his personal views- he has a right to them like any citizen- were also known by some, but professionalism at the FBI means that, in your work, "Justice is blind". This is NOT difficult to do: just follow facts where they lead and lay aside personal opinions.
It's not surprising that the GOP legislators would make specious claims, regarding the ability of this agent to separate the personal from professional. Neither "Justice is blind" nor professionalism have meaning for them.
19
Somewhere lost in this discussion is that it is normal for people whose jobs depend on getting their facts straight to be biased against flagrant liars like Trump. And it is in fact the job of law enforcement to be biased against crooks -- their job is to pass judgment on such people in a way that limits the damage they can do to others. Our laws and our institutions are supposed to be biased against people who do and say what Trump does. This is what establishes their legitimacy as law enforcement agencies. That Trump succeeded in lying his way into a presidential nomination and eventually the presidency (with or without the help of the Russians) does not change the character of his behavior.
It is probably worth adding also that biased does not necessarily mean wrong. The National Weather Service is probably biased against rainy days. I still trust the weather reports.
Finally, I hope people in sensitive positions will notice that anything said in electronic communications can wind up on the front page of the newspaper. This is a dangerous way to share your feelings.
44
Caught some of Strzok hearing and it had strong elements of Joe McCarthy hearings with defamatory accusations by a long series of Republican ideologues. Strzok seemingly with no legal counsel and on back foot and Democrats seemingly impotent to do anything to halt or mitigate the charade. Spiral toward full on authoritarian rule moves forward.
16
If the Russian collusion investigation found anything they could point to and prove that there was, it might be a different story with Republicans’ accusations of Strzok. As it is Mueller is hardly doing anyone any favors by turning this into his life’s work. Maybe he thinks he’s immortal and can take forever, but what’s the real world supposed to do in the mean time? Strzok should be yelling at him instead of Republicans. With all of Trump’s business deals in Russia, and email to a Russian is hardly a smoking gun. If so love letters to his wife can be Exhibit A on Mueller’s chart.
2
Mueller has not actually been investigating very long. This isn’t a TV drama where investigations can be wrapped up neatly and quickly. Producing a solid case ought to take time and involve painstaking investigation and slow deliberation. Everyone should just leave Mueller alone and let him take whatever time he needs.
18
He broke his marital oath, most people's most important vow, so it's obvious oaths mean little to him. I'm sure he didn't think twice about breaking his oath to defend the Constitution.
18
So how many times did Trump break his marital oath? Three marriages, and affairs with a playboy bunny and a porn star - are you kidding me. Do you have any notion how ridiculous your complaint against Strzok is?
33
Sadly you are correct and just think, in Trump we have a President who has betrayed marriage vows to three wives and who quite clearly through his actions does not have any intention of honoring his oath of office either. As for the honesty and fidelity of the men in that room, I doubt it bears close scrutiny.
Actually, it qualifies him to serve as President of the United States. The current American president has broken his marital oath(s) many, many times. And the consensus is that while this president has sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution, it's highly unlikely that he's even read it.
8
As many times as I’ve watched and examined this testimony, I’m at a loss trying to understand Mr. Gohmert’s position. I come from a family in which we’re proud of our public service and sacrifice. I could not be more proud of FBI agent Strzok. And grateful.
36
Bias in jury selection from citizens is not the same as bias by an FBI agent who clearly was opinionated and wanted to be the judge, jury and executioner. As this article begins by calling Strzok embattled should he continue to serve at the FBI knowing what he extensively texted giving a clear perception of bias.
14
Opinionated, yes. But no evidence of bias.
I wish he had acted with bias by leaking the Russia investigation story before the election. But, truthfully we probably would be embroiled in more HRC investigations and republican obstructionism. Sad.
29
Strozk could have made a single phone calls to any journalist prior to the election, but didn't. The rogue agent theory doesn't hold any water
4
So according to you no prosecutor or police investigator can have the "bias" believing the suspect they are investigating is guilty or perhaps is a despicable human being? All investigation must be done by someone with no opinion or perhaps only the belief that the person is innocent and a great human being? What crazy world is that? You could never convict an obvious crime! The investigators and prosecutors often believe the subject is guilty while investigating, but their belief is not enough. What matters is the evidence that is uncovered and used in the prosecution the belief does not stand alone. It is very telling that the republican representatives and the sycophants at Fox spend so much effort attacking the investigators and any personal flaw they might have not attacking the evidence. Sure sign their case is weak.
4
If doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is a symptom of insanity, the hearings today displayed it in spades. Official reports have stated Strozik did nothing wrong. He may have exercised poor judgement, however I believe worse judgement was exercised in cherry picking emails from a cell phone, and I don't care whether it was provided by work or not. Millions of dollars are wasted yet again by politicians who have nothing better to do than twist facts and denigrate a Federal employee to suit their ends. The Judiciary Committee could be taking care of necessary and important business but instead waste time on this. They are part of the reason Trump was elected and people want to see Government destroyed. Very bad day for our country. Judicial Committee, have you no shame?
18
"F.B.I. Agent Defends Actions in Russia Inquiry in Contentious House Testimony"
Contentious? Hardly. I am old enough to remember listening to the slanderous House Un-American Activities Committee meetings of the 1960s that wrecked so many lives. Even the craven members of that committee came nowhere close to these ones in their lack of decorum, authoritarianism and downright meanness.
58
Peter Strzok is an American Hero.
78
Wow! Very low standards.
Strzok's testimony serves as an exemplary model of decorum and respectfulness for the judicial process --- testify publicly, under oath, no 5th, no time limit, no limits on questions --- the exact antithesis of trump’s despicable and cowardly avoidance tactics with the Mueller investigation. Hardly the way someone who keeps asserting he has done nothing wrong should behave. We have a mouse, not a man for a president.
37
Some of the Republicans sure like to cuss. When did that become SOP for the GOP? Val Deming of Florida said it very simply: it's a waste of the committee's time.
8
I watched as much of this as I could stand. Gowdy and the rest of his GOP cohorts were truly despicable, vicious and partisan in the worst possible way. Strozok made a big mistake by voicing his personal opinions in a way that was discoverable, but he showed integrity, intelligence, and loyalty to the FBI - and I applaud his Voluntary (!) testimony.
37
So according to GOP logic, the GOP members of this committee should not be grilling Strzok, only Republicans at the FBI should be investigating Trump (but it's okay if they continue to investigate Hillary as well), and it's perfectly fine for Trump to pick his own jury in the form of Supreme Court nominees. Truly shameful.
32
So how much did this hearing cost, and what did it prove??
50
All the charm of one of Stalin's show trials...
50
Every congressional Republican associated with this spurious piece of Kabuki theatre needs to personally reimburse the US taxpayers for wasted time. What's next? Hearings about how Ted Cruz's father was involved with JFK's assassination? An investigation into the alleged IRS audit that prevents Trump releasing his tax returns? What about those devious historians who assert that President Reagan actually won the state of Wisconsin in 1984? The Inspector General cleared Strzok; he had no impact on the course of the Mueller probe. The real point of these hearings is to preemptively thwart future testimony against Trump. Threaten our Dear Leader and we will destroy you, regardless of the truth. These Republicans are worse than Joe McCarthy and future generations will spit on their names.
18
Mr. Strzok’s training, as an Army officer and a FBI agent, is serving him well. While watching this insanity, the thought came to my mind that soldiers are trained for mental fortitude in war. That’s what this looks like. These Republican bullies are feeling sickeningly self righteous in grilling Mr. Strzok. But he is strong and we could all stand to salute his rectitude. I believe this display of despicable intimidation will come back to haunt these Republican bullies, or should we call them Trumps’ lieutenants?
53
It is clear that a major investigation must be conducted into Trey Gowdy's Russian connections and those of other Republican congressmen that displayed their
Russian bias this date. No wonder they are so intent upon charging the FBI with subversions.
17
I often wonder how these Republicans sleep at night.
I think a person that has fallen so low as Gowdy et al would not be able to look at themselves in the mirror without seeing a horrid monster.
On the other hand, you would have to have had a conscience at some point in your life- and I seriously doubt the majority of Republican politicians ever had one.
They talk a good game and quote the Bible all over the place- but they are amoral charlatans.
Agent Strozok, please realize most Americans appreciate your service and thank you for it.
17
If Peter was a cab driver in some small city and he emailed his mistress: “No. No he won’t. We’ll stop it,” Mr. Strzok replied. Would discovery of this by a member of the Secret Service result in them checking out what his motivations might lead to. You bet it would. It is revolting to me that a man like this had such an important position on such grave matters. Yes, he cheats on his wife, and he wants us to believe he is honest, forthright, beyond reproach, and so forth and so on. Really Peter?
8
Lots of good men and women have cheated on their spouses. To err is human. It’s not a good thing. However, it’s just one data point. Collect 50 weighted points and make a decision.
2
Wait. Do you not see the hypocrisy in your statement. Did Trumpy not cheat on his 3 wives and blackmail a stripper to keep silent about it. So you trust his oath to uphold the constitution? Wow.
"He cheats on his wife and he wants us to believe he is honest, forthright. .." You do realize that this could very well be about your
savior Mr. tRump, I hope? Three wives, affairs, porn stars. Be real. Mr. Strzok could have made one call to any journalist before the election had he been anything but a man of ethics, integrity, character and professionalism but he did not. He is a true patriot and his testimony today was truly riveting. This is who I want protecting our Democracy from those who would sell their souls to the devil to destroy it. The GOP are a mafia of goons, disgraceful!
It amazes me that people do not understand that appearance of bias is just as bad as actual bias. That's because the appearance erodes confidence that the outcome was reached in a detached, unbiased manner. As a result. the outcome itself and how it was arrived at lacks credibility, and creates conflicts even greater than original controversy.
As has happened here.
19
My problem with this line of thinking is this: Mr Strzok did not operate in a vacuum. He had people in the Bureau above him, as well as many people on a team, investigating and following leads. I will not believe that all of these individuals somehow decided to not follow the facts where they led.
2
I suppose if you went through my texts and emails and cherry picked them to reflect what you wanted, you could make the appearance of any sort of bias. He didn’t like Trump but he wasn’t a huge fan of HRC either. What if we only saw excerpts from texts and emails that related to that and confirmed what sort of bias the Republican Party wants people to attribute to this FBI employee.
Just wondering what Gohmert thinks of the current president having extra-marital sex with Stormy Daniels while his wife was home with a newborn.
142
His texts are concerned with the personality of Mr. Trump. It's nothing to do with a political bias; Several Republicans also expressed the same concern publicly.
40
It's a shame that investigations into a Presidents behavior have become so common over the past 50 or 60 years. To witness this country's professional politicians in all their theatrical glory, in my mind, fully explains the ambivalence of some modern voters. I suppose in simpler times we might have been duped into believing patriotism might explain the wild-eyed intensity of Congessional Investigators as they cast their exaggerated accusations and spiteful insults. In simpler times it might also have been judged artful oratory.
Today it's more likely to be taken as just another demonstration of the 'nuclear' approach our country's leaders have chosen. The 'losers' are humiliated and tormented to reveal new levels of treachery in their admitted mistake. The more they squirm, the better the opportunity to display the latest concoction of mistrust and arrogance calculated to retain the faith of their supporters that they are indeed on top of this hill. One might ask about cost, but the question is irrelevant to those who must win. One might ask about integrity, but the answer is in their blind devotion to remaining on top.
It truly is enough to thoroughly destroy one's faith in this country to do the right thing.
11
Embarrassed that Goodlatte was elected from Virginia, albeit from the rural west of the blue ridge area. He certainly doesn't run a meeting that would be productive.
30
I watched much of hearing. No wonder congress is held in the lowest regard. What a kangaroo court. The Republicans hurling their accusations while refusing to let the witness answer. An empty chair would have suited their purpose since they had no interest in hearing anything from the witness. I’d like to see their text messages about Trump the candidate, including ones to their girlfriends. For that matter, how about the text messages of the NY FBI agents whose anti-Clinton antipathy actually influenced their actions, unlike Strzok. Rudy Giuliani is many things but he’s not a psychic.
47
I only hope that if I were ever under questioning, I would acquit myself as forcefully and as eloquently as Mr. Strzok, for whom I hold no brief, but who has gained my admiration today.
69
Like the NYPD Cops turning their backs on the elected Mayor, Mr. Strzok personifies the untrammeled arrogance & contempt for democracy of American police forces on all levels.
Wonder whether closed session was similar in tone. Today's seemed orchestrated - irrespective of answers, opportunity for which appeared to be limited - so questioners could lay publishable predicates for the charge that Mueller conclusions questionable.
On second thought, never mind. The Republicans would not be significantly less reprehensible if their conduct in private were indistinguishable. Less disingenuous maybe, but not less reprehensible.
14
The issues of bias against Trump and for Clinton aside, Strozk broke a well defined rule in the FBI that use of govt property for personal use is forbidden. Everyone in the FBI knows the rule well. Calls home to say one has to work late or going on a business trip aside, use of govt phones, cell phones, computers, stationary, and everything else that is govt property is wrong and punishable. But the gross use by Strozk and his Justice Dept. woman friend exceeded all allowable limits both in expressing disdain for Trump and suggesting that he would stop Trump's election. The mere use of the govt resources exposes the FBI to question of impartiality which affects public opinion of the FB and its conduct of all missions. The issue of whether he actually meant the words he communicated or whether he took any action consistent with his words aside, he will be fired by the FBI and this is entirely appropriate. As the Inspector General stated in his recently released report, the word spoken damage the reputation of the FBI.
15
Unfortunately, Strozk’s texts can be used against the Mueller investigation should it be tested under SCOTUS.
2
The rule against use of government equipment for personal use applies to all federal employees. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Mr. Strzok will be a scapegoat of a relentless GOP smear campaign if he is fired for that offense. Sad commentary on the state of our legislative body today.
10
Yes, similar rules apply across the federal govt. I worked at a DOE facility for many vears. Two young engineers, one of whom was married at the time, were found to have had an extensive romantic dialogue using facility computer systems. Both were suspended and then discharged. The pair made no derogatory comments about anyone or anything else and were excellent workers. Strozk's actions in regard to use of govt equipment and placing the FBI in a defensive position were terrible. He deserves to be fired.
If we can’t hire anyone to the FBI without them being completely apolitical and holding no personal opinions, then we might as well give up. Everybody has their opinions. So long as they don’t interfere with their job, I don’t see any problem. Can anyone, anyone at all, point to evidence that this man’s opinions on Trump had any effect whatsoever on his official actions?
24
In a head to head credibility contest between the FBI and GOP members of Congress, I will take the FBI hands down. When it comes to blatant bias and making up facts out of thin air, the GOP members of Congress are second to none. Take Congressman Gowdy, for example, who spent years investigating "Benghazi", came up with nothing, and now asserts the Russian election meddling investigation is a "witch hunt" notwithstanding multiple guilty pleas and indictments while the investigation is still pending.
60
When a government police official responds to questions concerning his obviously biased conduct with the assertion, that the elected Congressional Committee, charged with overseeing his agency, is aiding the hated Foreign Enemy by asking him such questions, instead of giving an honest answer--
And the so-called Liberal and progressive media not only let this arrogant cop get away with this nonsense, but actually praise him for it--
We have indeed arrived at a Police State.
It’s hard to believe, as the former FBI agent asserted, that the processes, procedures, and controls in the FBI investigative process, wouldn’t have snuffed out political bias in an investigation.
Can the Republican members of this committee assert, with a straight face, that political bias was not driving their questions and behavior in this hearing today ? I think not.
Today’s hearing was an embarrassment. These Republicans have no shame.
31
Someone would be hard pressed to find a higher level of hypocrisy than that displayed by the GOP House members questioning the integrity of Peter Strzok as all the while they doggedly parade their wall of distraction around the White House, seeking to raise the ‘legal’ timbre until it drowns out Robert Mueller’s legitimacy as well as anyone else’s associated with the FBI. The Republican House, as represented by this hearing today, has become the national symbol of illegitimacy as it pardons itself from examining the perilous and very real lack of truth at work in the White House.
65
How surprising that a career civil servant, long charged with the defense of the republic, might take umbrage with the threat posed by Donald Trump! Bias lies in actions as evidence not attitudes and it is appalling that this distinction could be lost on the congressmen of the GOP. What emerges to the unbiased observer is how blindly the party of Lincoln now serves a President who has been so clearly compromised by a foreign power hostile to the United States.
24
I'm afraid I no longer have any faith that the country is going to get to the bottom of the Trump administrations' many transgressions with this Republican Congress. There seems to be no limit to which they will go to defend and support this destructive, incompetent and (dare I say it?) traitorous White House. I can only think that their actions are based on more than just political one ups-man-ship. How many of them have something to hide themselves? Will the Mueller investigation reach beyond Trump? If they stack the Supreme Court (as seems likely) with jurists like Gorsuch and Kavanaugh who will rule in defense of Trump's presidential power and immunity from investigation and prosecution, we will have lost the Republic for good.
25
I have biases about many things from what I eat to what I wear to political beliefs.They do not enter into my professional career. That obviously is not the case of the members grilling this FBI agent.
22
Like other recent high profile House hearings run by Republicans: all smoke and mirrors, with a few red herrings thrown in for effect. Meanwhile, congressional Republicans seem determined to ignore the broad collusion that led to one of the most destructive intrusions into a U.S. presidential election that has ever occurred. Instead Republicans engage in this disgusting attack on a career FBI officer, who between his military and FBI service has spent most of his professional life honorably serving his country. If they are looking for a problem to investigate, they should start with the President.
19
This was absurd, devolving into comic. Does the GOP think they are winning votes with the conduct exemplified in this kangaroo court? It is difficult to believe we will further devolve, but I know it will happen. We are living in extraordinary times, to be parsed by historians.
21
They put on a show like these hearings but think they will win votes because decent people shun and shame the likes of Sanders ( Kelly was upset because he didn't get a full breakfast), Conway. McConnell, or the Goebell's clone Miller who can afford to throw away $80'worth of takeout.
6
This is absolutely ridiculous. If we are to believe this argument then the same argument can be made about every FBI employee that votes. Every one of them either votes Democrat or Republican. Therefore they are all biased. At some point you have to trust that these highly trained agents, and especially tenured agents like Mr. Strzok, will act professionally when it comes to their jobs. This is why Americans are fed up with our Government. The two parties act like third graders pointing fingers at each other. The republicans are really grasping a straws on this one, they are trying anything they can to discredit the investigation into Trump.
41
Devolving to OMG:
I wonder if Trump ever lied to his wife (wives) about an affair?
These guys will stop at nothing to distract attention from their so called President.
36
Jesus wept.
.
The vitriol heaped upon an American hero and patriot today, is despicable. Mr. Gohmert, himself the poster boy for gooberdom, has the temerity to attack Mr. Strzok for an extramarital affair? While he sits inches away from the hideous wrestling coach denier?? Inconceivable!!
Republicans have sealed their own doom with this shameful and likely criminal assault on a good and very talented hero. But it will not stop the inexorable investigation until We The People achieve justice, and the traitors are cuffed and imprisoned. Amen.
42
Strzok deserves what he got today. He must be an idiot if he actually thinks people will believe he has a compelling argument that his texts were not evidence of actual bias. People would be howling if a criminal investigator made such comments when investigating any other potential defendant.
He actually said that he didn't think his bias was the reason Mueller kicked him off his team. He must be delusional.
Anyone else disgusted that Jerry Nadler is their representative?
16
I thank the gods that someone as intelligent and courageous as Jerry Nadler is a member of the U. S. Congress. I wish him a long and fruitful career.
30
No, we would consider it an honor to have Rep.Nadler as a representative.
14
He was having a private conversation with his lover. He is free to have an opinion!
Gowdy is replicating his $ 7,000,000-plus, taxpayer funded, Benghazi bridge to nowhere.
It's also serving as a tax-payer funded Fox news "story."
38
Boy, did that backfire on the Republicans. Strzok chewed them up and spit them out.
48
I didn’t see it that way at all.
3
Gee, it's so easy to ignore one's beliefs when carrying out official duties, maybe we should allow neo-Nazis investigate hate crimes.
9
Yeah that’s really equivalent
15
Just in time for Fox News, I hear. I am past being appalled.
They have no shame and deserve to go down in history as enabling traitors when the truth comes out.
36
This is beyond the McCarthy days and its dangerous destruction and ugliness. The traitors who are backing Russia's not thinly veiled attempt to destroy our country are the ones who ought to be in jail, alongside Manafort.
Peter Strozk thank you for speaking up, as the silence is deafening as the traitors aka "republicans", support a demogogue who is in the back pocket of his uncle P.
51
These Republican Congressmen are complicit in Trump-Russia. I hope to God it catches up with each and every one of them.
53
Republicans are flushing our democracy down the toilet with this partisan hackery.
The GOP is attempting to discredit the Russia investigation by coming up with these absurd and illegitimate pseudo-investigations of their own with the goal to confuse people and make them apathetic to justice. This is obviously a cheap attack meant to subvert justice and I think most people can see it for what it is.
42
What I found really disgusting and repulsive, were the behavior of the Republican's in this hearing.
The Republican Congressmen weren't asking question, they were leering, sneering and hyperventilating like a bunch of creeps, they were filibustering narratives to paint a picture of what they wanted Strzok's motives were, but not once did they listen or stick to the facts.
These congressmen were just making up their own ideas of what Strzok's mindset was or what they wanted it to be, they were juvenile, amateurish and really outrageous; these Republican Congressmen, everyone of them should be censured for dereliction of their office and malfeasance, a real disgrace and not anything close to public service.
49
Let's pause to savor the moment. Republicans in Congress are grilling FBI agents... accusing them of un-American behavior... for an excessively aggressive investigation... of potential interference in our elections... by the Russians.
Joe McCarthy isn't just rolling over in his grave — he's convinced the Russkies have put LSD in our water supply.
54
How long can the country keep pretending that the GOP / Fox syndicate are not treasonous? That they are anything more than a criminal organization? Do we wait until half the country is under their power? Two thirds?
51
“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast the first stone”
(too religious?)
At this point, we all should be grilled for sharing anti-trump texts. 100% of those hypocrite representatives and congressmen should be grilled along with FBI agent Strzok. They all have done it.
100% of Republicans I am sure shared hatred for Obama presidency either at home, at work and through texts and among each other. Remember Mitch McConnell threatening Obama that he was going to be a one term president? What was he planning to do? Did we get a special committee to investigate him????? And Trey Gowdy? My goodness! His hypocrisy is staggering... he doesn’t even see his own bias....
I would ask them all... “
What a bunch of hypocrites... I am so, so tired of the garbage of politics that we have in the States. It’s getting worse by the minute!
26
Imagine if one could obtain the personal emails of each of those hypocritical Republican inquisitors as they plotted and planned to dump Trump during the 2016 campaign to stop him from getting the nomination. There is no doubt that they would be horrific in content and full of extreme personal bias against Trump's candidacy. Strzok's emails would look like passages from the Bible in comparison.
4